Artificial turf is an extremely useful and versatile material that is used in everything from soccer to baseball. But, how does it handle hard-hitting sports like football? It’s a good question, and the answer is: very well. Here, we’ll answer your artificial turf questions as well as providing info about the good ol’ National Football League’s use of it.
How many NFL stadiums have artificial turf?
The short answer is 14 stadiums. The longer answer is that of the 30 NFL stadiums in the U.S, 14 have synthetic turf, while 16 have a natural grass playing surface.
The 14 NFL stadiums with turf are:
- AT&T Stadium
- CenturyLink Field
- Edward Jones Dome
- Ford Field
- Georgia Dome
- Gillette Stadium
- Lucas Oil Stadium
- M&T Bank Stadium
- Mercedes-Benz Superdome
- MetLife Stadium
- NRG Stadium
- Paul Brown Stadium
- Ralph Wilson Stadium
- U.S. Bank Stadium
What kind of turf is in those stadiums?
FieldTurf is the most popular of the five turf distributors among the 14 turf stadiums. The turf used in different stadiums is often dependent on both the climate and the stadium design. Here’s an overview of each stadium and the team, artificial turf type, and climate related to it.
1) AT&T Stadium
Team: Dallas Cowboys
Turf: Hellas Matrix Turf with Helix Soft Top
Climate: Humid subtropical with hot summers
2) Bank of America Stadium
Team: Carolina Panthers
Turf: FieldTurf
Climate: Cold and wet winters, hot and muggy summers
3) CenturyLink Field
Team: Seattle Seahawks
Turf: FieldTurf Revolution 360
Climate: Cold and wet winters, rainy summers
4) Edward Jones Dome
Team: St. Louis Rams
Turf: GameDay 3D Synthetic Turf System
Climate: Humid subtropical with hot summers
5) Ford Field
Team: Detroit Lions
Turf: FieldTurf Classic HD system
Climate: Continental, with very cold winters and warm to hot summers
6) Georgia Dome
Team: Atlanta Falcons
Turf: FieldTurf CORE
Climate: Humid subtropical with hot summers
7) Gillette Stadium
Team: New England Patriots
Turf: FieldTurf CORE
Climate: Continental, with very cold winters and warm to hot summers
8) Lucas Oil Stadium
Team: Indianapolis Colts
Turf: FieldTurf
Climate: Continental, with very cold winters and warm to hot summers
9) Caesars Superdome
Team: New Orleans Saints
Turf: FieldTurf Revolution 360
Climate: Humid subtropical with hot summers
10) MetLife Stadium
Team: New York Giants and New York Jets
Turf: UBU Sports Speed Series S5-M
Climate: Continental, with very cold winters and warm to hot summers
11) NRG Stadium
Team: Houston Texans
Turf: Hellas Matrix Turf
Climate: Humid subtropical with hot summers
12) Paul Brown Stadium
Team: Cincinnati Bengals
Turf: UBU Speed Series S5-M Synthetic Turf
Climate: Continental, with very cold winters and warm to hot summer
13) Highmark Stadium
Team: Buffalo Bills
Turf: A-Turf Titan
Climate: Continental, with very cold winters and warm to hot summer
14) U.S. Bank Stadium
Team: Minnesota Vikings
Turf: UBU Speed Series S5-M
Climate: Continental, with very cold winters and warm to hot summer
Why turf for football stadiums?
While there are many reasons to consider artificial turf for a football stadium, it’s important to balance a number of factors. Artificial turf technology has dramatically improved over the past few decades, and while innovation continues, turf is becoming increasingly safer and more protective for players (which was not always the case).
1) Turf is Cost-Effective
In terms of cost, artificial turf stands far above natural grass, especially in drier and hotter climates. While the upfront cost of turf installation is higher than natural grass, turf maintenance and upkeep is dramatically lower than natural grass, even on fields that see a lot of play. While artificial turf has a higher upfront cost, it has lower maintenance costs year over year for labor, materials, and repairs.
2) Turf is Durable
Football fields get the wear and tear between players tackling and cleats running, jumping, and kicking, let alone exposure to UV and air pollution. Since turf fibers are synthetic, they can’t be crushed, torn, burned, or smothered the same way natural blades of grass can. Turf stays green and lush after hours of play over the span of years.
3) Turf is Consistent
Turf provides a consistent playing surface, which grass has to be carefully monitored for to be free of divots, gopher holes, and other issues. Natural grass requires a lot of maintenance to prevent brown and yellow spots, bald spots, or soggy spots, which can have a negative effect on the outcome of the game, and the reputation of the stadium and the team. Beyond the occasional refill of infill and spray of water, you don’t need to do much to keep it safe and level for players.
4) Turf is Attractive
Players and spectators spend a lot of time looking at the field, which is why the reputation of the stadium and the team rely on its appearance to be attractive, lush, and green. With turf you never have to worry about bald, yellow, or brown spots.
Turf Factory Direct for Your Turf Needs
No matter what type of artificial turf you’re planning to use, Turf Factory Direct what you need to make the best sports field possible. Get in touch with us or start browsing products today that your favorite NFL team uses!
