How Many NFL Stadiums Have Real Grass?

The NFL is notorious for having a large number of artificial turf fields, but there are still some teams that play on natural grass.

The Benefits of Real Grass

Real grass has many benefits over artificial turf. It is more durable, can withstand more wear and tear, and provides a better playing surface. It also has a positive effect on the environment, helps to reduce noise pollution, and is a more natural surface for players to run on.

Safer for players

When it comes to playing surfaces in the NFL, there is a debate between artificial turf and real grass. Some argue that artificial turf is just as safe as grass, while others say that it causes more injuries. There is no definitive answer, but there are some advantages to playing on real grass.

Real grass is softer than artificial turf, so it is less likely to cause abrasions and other types of injuries. Grass also provides better footing and stability, which can help prevent sprains and other injuries. Another advantage of real grass is that it does not get as hot as artificial turf, so players are less likely to suffer from heat exhaustion or cramps.

Better for the environment

While synthetic turf may seem like a more environmentally-friendly option at first glance, there are actually several reasons why real grass is better for the environment. For one thing, real grass helps to filter and clean water, whereas synthetic turf tends to collect and hold water, which can lead to problems with runoff. In addition, real grass helps to regulate temperature and can provide a cooling effect in hot weather, whereas synthetic turf can actually make the temperature hotter. Real grass also provides habitat for wildlife, whereas synthetic turf does not.

The Drawbacks of Real Grass

NFL stadiums have been using real grass for decades, but there are some drawbacks to using this type of turf. Real grass can be more difficult to maintain, and it can be expensive to keep up. It can also be more difficult to play on in certain weather conditions. Let’s take a closer look at the drawbacks of using real grass in NFL stadiums.

More expensive to maintain

Although it is the preferred playing surface for many athletes, real grass has a number of drawbacks. Perhaps the most significant is the cost of maintenance. Although artificial turf is initially more expensive to install, it requires far less care and upkeep. For example, a natural grass field must be mowed regularly, and the clippings must be disposed of. The soil must be fertilized and aerated, and the irrigation system must be carefully monitored to ensure that the grass receives enough water without becoming waterlogged. In contrast, artificial turf needs only to be brushed or swept occasionally to remove debris, and it can be used in all weather conditions without fear of damage.

Requires more water

Another significant drawback to real grass is the increased water consumption required to maintain a healthy playing surface. According to Molinelli, a natural grass field can consume up to 10,000 gallons of water per day during the growing season.7 In addition, because of runoff and irrigation constraints, a portion of this water is often drawn from groundwater sources, which can lead to depletion of aquifers.

The NFL Stadiums with Real Grass

In the NFL, there are a total of 31 stadiums. Of those 31, only 19 have real grass. Here are the NFL stadiums with real grass.

Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers home field, Lambeau Field, is one of the few remaining stadiums in the NFL with a natural grass playing surface. The last time the Packers installed artificial turf was in 1987, and it was only used for three seasons before being replaced by real grass again.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Heinz Field, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, is one of only four natural grass stadiums in the NFL. The others are Lambeau Field (Green Bay Packers), Gillette Stadium (New England Patriots), and AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys). 10 of the league’s 32 teams play their home games on artificial turf.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks play their home games at CenturyLink Field, which is located in Seattle, Washington. The stadium has a seating capacity of 68,000 and is the home field of the Seahawks. The stadium opened in 2002 and is the largest in the NFL. The field is made of artificial turf.

The NFL Stadiums with Artificial Grass

It’s a little-known fact that not all NFL stadiums have real grass. In fact, there are quite a few stadiums that have artificial turf. This can be due to a number of reasons, such as climate, cost, or maintenance. Here is a list of all the NFL stadiums with artificial grass.

Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals play their home games at the University of Phoenix Stadium, which has a retractable roof and field turf.

Indianapolis Colts

This stadium is one of the NFL stadiums with artificial grass. The FieldTurf surface was installed in 2006, and the Colts have been happy with it ever since. There have been no major complaints from either the players or the fans about the quality of the playing surface.

New England Patriots

The New England Patriots are a professional American football team based in the Greater Boston area. The Patriots compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league’s American Football Conference (AFC) East division. The team plays its home games at Gillette Stadium in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts, which is located 28 miles (45 km) southwest of downtown Boston.

The Patriots are also headquartered at Gillette Stadium. An original member of the American Football League (AFL), the Patriots joined the NFL in 1970 as part of the AFL–NFL merger. In 1971, the Patriots moved to Foxborough. The team changed its name from the original Boston Patriots after relocating to Foxborough in 1971.

The Patriots have appeared in ten Super Bowls winning six of them, most recently Super Bowl LIII in February 2019. They are tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most appearances in a Super Bowl by a franchise, and have both played in (and lost) four Super Bowls with no victories. The franchise has compiled an overall record of 366–448–8 (including playoffs), a winning percentage of .451, and has reached one Super Bowl and four conference championships since their 2001 season.