NFL stadiums with real grass and artificial turf: Full list of field surfaces (2024)

FAQs

How many NFL stadiums are real grass? ›

The league doesn't have a specific regulation on the type of surfaces teams lay down. As of now, 15 stadiums have artificial turf and 15 have grass or hybrid grass, which is natural turf reinforced with synthetic fibers.

Many professional pitches, especially outdoors, use real grass, like perennial ryegrass, for its familiar feel, good ball movement, and shock absorption for players. However, some stadiums, especially indoors or in harsh climates, opt for artificial turf or a hybrid system combining real grass with synthetic fibers.

The Philadelphia Eagles are one of two teams (Green Bay Packers) that play on a combination of turf and grass at Lincoln Financial Field, which opened in 2003. Currently, 14 teams out of 32 do not play on real grass.

The Cowboys play at AT&T Stadium. Also referred to as 'Jerry World,' the stadium opened in 2009 and has Hellas Matrix Turf. The turf used at the AT&T stadium is made by the same manufacturer as that used at the Houston Texans' NRG Stadium and SoFi Stadium, where both the L.A. Rams and Chargers play.

An NFLPA survey revealed that 92% of players prefer to play on high-quality grass, 6% percent were indifferent between grass and synthetic turf, and most of the 2% who prefer synthetic turf are kickers. "Grass fields have a lower injury rate," Howell said.

But not so dense that their cleats can't get through it.” Another little known fact, Lambeau Field is based on a synthetic and natural turf perfected overseas.

With water conservation issues on the rise, synthetic grass makes more sense than ever. Fake grass uses far less water than real grass, doesn't need water to keep it green, and doesn't require fertilizers or pesticides. Since mowing is not required, the carbon emissions of lawnmowers are non-existent.

The injury risk is also low for artificial football fields. The surface is much more slip-resistant in comparison to grass fields. Durability and an even playing surface means fewer injuries. Grass fields can get torn up by rough play.

The Bills have played on artificial turf since Highmark Stadium's opening in 1973, but New Highmark Stadium, set to open in 2026, will feature a grass field. Currently, 14 teams out of 32 do not play on real grass. The Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers use a combination of turf and grass.

Do the Eagles play on artificial turf? ›

The two NFL fields that use a hybrid solution (a mix of artificial fibers and natural grass) are: Green Bay Packers: Lambeau Field. Philadelphia Eagles: Lincoln Financial Field.

Heating is all electric. The facility contains 24 McQuay air-handling units and 235 fan-powered boxes with electric heat.

A 2018 study underscores the risks of playing football, and other sports, on turf. The study assessed more than 4,800 NFL foot and leg injuries during regular season games between 2012-2016. It found that, had every game been played on a grass surface, at least 300 fewer foot and leg injuries would have been expected.

It was cheaper than grass, as it required less upkeep, and other stadiums followed. By the 1990s, about half of NFL stadiums used artificial turf. Due to the harder, springier surface, Astroturf enabled players to run faster than on grass, and speed became more highly valued.

Super Bowl 58 will be played on grass. Even though Allegiant Stadium is a dome, it has a grass field that is on a track with wheels so it can be moved in and out of the stadium to get sunlight.

turf debate. Data provided by the National Football League Players Association showed that during the 2022 NFL season, players suffered more non-direct contact injuries on turf than natural grass. "Grass is a significantly safer surface than turf," JC Tretter, NFLPA president and author of the online post, said.