Which NFL Stadiums Have Turf Fields – And Which Use ...
Artificial turf or real grass? Searching for "Which NFL Stadiums Have Turf Fields – And Which Use ..." yields a wealth of information, revealing that while the trend leans slightly towards artificial surfaces, natural grass preserves a strong presence in the league. Currently, 30 stadiums accommodate the 32 NFL teams, with 17 teams playing on artificial turf and 13 opting for natural grass. Additionally, a few teams utilize hybrid systems that combine both surfaces. Notably, both Texas teams, the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys, favor artificial turf.
What NFL Stadiums Have Turf?
Below is a list of the 15 NFL stadiums equipped with synthetic turf fields, accommodating 17 teams:
Atlanta Falcons: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
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The Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United soccer team, features a capacity of 71,000 and hosts various events, including concerts. Opened in 2017, it also hosted Super Bowl LIII and is set to host FIFA World Cup games. The artificial turf installed is made from monofilament fibers sourced from Germany.
Buffalo Bills: Highmark Stadium
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Highmark Stadium, located in New York and home to the Buffalo Bills, has a capacity exceeding 71,000, primarily used for professional football. It has featured artificial turf since its opening in 1973, with the current version implemented in 2016, combining various polyethylene fiber types. This specific turf is unique to this stadium in the NFL.
Carolina Panthers: Bank of America Stadium
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The Bank of America Stadium, hosting the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC, underwent a significant renovation completed in 2016 with the installation of artificial turf similar to other stadiums. The capacity approaches 75,000, and the turf is made from monofilament fiber produced in Germany.
Cincinnati Bengals: Paycor Stadium
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Formerly known as Paul Brown Stadium, Paycor Stadium has a capacity of just over 65,000 and has utilized artificial turf since its opening in 2000. The current turf was laid in 2021, featuring slit-film fiber manufactured in Georgia.
Dallas Cowboys: AT&T Stadium
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AT&T Stadium hosts the Dallas Cowboys and several major events, boasting a capacity of 80,000. Synthetic turf was introduced at the stadium in 2009 and has been replaced multiple times, with the most recent installation sourced from Austin, Texas.
Detroit Lions: Ford Field
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Home to both the Detroit Lions and the Michigan Panthers, Ford Field accommodates 65,000 to 80,000 spectators and has had artificial turf since its inauguration in 2002. The current surface, installed in 2022, is comparable to that found in other NFL venues.
Houston Texans: NRG Stadium
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With nearly 72,000 seats, NRG Stadium is also scheduled to host the World Cup and previously hosted Super Bowl LI. Opened in 2002, the artificial turf was updated in 2014, sharing its brand with the AT&T Stadium.
Indianapolis Colts: Lucas Oil Stadium
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Serving as the home of the Indianapolis Colts, Lucas Oil Stadium has a capacity of 67,000 and has used artificial turf since it opened in 2008. The current turf, composed of slit-film technology, was set to be replaced around 2022.
Los Angeles Chargers/Los Angeles Rams: SoFi Stadium
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SoFi Stadium accommodates both L.A. teams with a capacity of 70,000, also hosting the Super Bowl LVI. The artificial turf installed upon opening in 2020 mirrors that found at AT&T Stadium and NRG Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings: U.S. Bank Stadium
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U.S. Bank Stadium, home to the Minnesota Vikings, boasts a capacity of 66,200 and has had artificial turf since 2016, featuring similar materials used in other stadiums, including Caesars Superdome.
New England Patriots: Gillette Stadium
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Gillette Stadium, with a capacity of 65,878, is home to the New England Patriots and has utilized artificial grass since 2002, with the latest installation completed in 2020.
New Orleans Saints: Caesars Superdome
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This New Orleans venue holds a variety of events and has been home to the Saints since its opening. The artificial turf has been updated over the years, the current version being made in Georgia.
New York Giants/New York Jets: MetLife Stadium
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MetLife Stadium, hosting both New York NFL teams with a capacity of 82,500, installed new artificial grass in 2021, improving upon earlier versions.
Seattle Seahawks: Lumen Field
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Home to the Seahawks, Lumen Field accommodates 68,740 fans and has featured artificial turf since its opening. This stadium, selected for World Cup matches, may temporarily switch to grass for the event.
Tennessee Titans: Nissan Stadium
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With a capacity of 69,143, Nissan Stadium recently transitioned to artificial turf in 2022 to address issues with natural grass, utilizing a monofilament-based surface for consistent performance.
NFL Stadiums with Real Grass
Among the 13 NFL venues that maintain real grass, the popular choices typically include Bermuda grass or Kentucky bluegrass:
- Arizona Cardinals: State Farm Stadium
- Baltimore Ravens: M&T Bank Stadium
- Chicago Bears: Soldier Field
- Cleveland Browns: FirstEnergy Stadium
- Denver Broncos: Empower Field at Mile High
- Jacksonville Jaguars: TIAA Bank Field
- Kansas City Chiefs: Arrowhead Stadium
- Las Vegas Raiders: Allegiant Stadium
- Washington Football Team: FedExField
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Heinz Field
- San Francisco 49ers: Levi's Stadium
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Raymond James Stadium
- Miami Dolphins: Hard Rock Stadium
NFL Fields with Hybrid Playing Surfaces
The Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles utilize hybrid systems that incorporate both artificial fibers and natural grass. Known as Desso Grassmaster, this surface was developed by a Dutch company and may also refer to reinforced or stabilized turf.
Benefits of Turf Over Grass for Sports Fields
The ongoing debate regarding natural grass versus artificial turf surfaces remains prevalent. However, perceptions of artificial turf have evolved since the introduction of AstroTurf in the 1960s. Modern synthetic installations boast improved safety, aesthetic appeal, and performance. The advantages of artificial turf for sports fields include:
- Low maintenance needs.
- Strength, resilience, and durability sufficient for pro games.
- Weatherproof capabilities for year-round playability.
- No water requirements.
- Cost-effectiveness compared to natural grass installations.
Artificial Turf for Sports Fields in Dallas-Fort Worth
Artificial grass is commonplace in both professional and amateur sports throughout the U.S., as many teams prefer it even if natural grass is used in main stadiums. The availability of high-quality synthetic options remains strong.
For those in the Dallas-Fort Worth area contemplating artificial turf for various sports, consulting turf professionals can provide valuable insights into suitable options.
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