NFL Stadiums with Real Grass: Which Teams Use Natural Grass and What Kind of Grass Do They Have?

NFL Stadiums with Real Grass: Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles injury at the beginning of the last NFL season reignited the debate over playing surfaces: artificial turf versus natural grass. Even though the NFL claims to prioritize player safety, they continue to use plastic pitches instead of switching entirely to grass.

Currently, 14 out of the 32 NFL teams still play on artificial turf. Some teams use a mix called Desso GrassMaster, which combines artificial turf with real grass. For example, the Rams and Chargers play at SoFi Stadium, while the Giants and Jets play at MetLife Stadium.

Artificial turf has improved significantly in safety since the 1990s, but it still falls short compared to natural grass, especially for NFL players who prefer it. In 2020, JC Tretter, the president of the NFL Players Association, voiced strong opposition to artificial grass. He pointed out that several players had sustained injuries on it, highlighting ongoing concerns about its safety.

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According to an NFLPA survey comparing artificial turf to natural grass, roughly 93% of players said using turf would hinder their career, and 91% said it would make them feel more tired and weary. Following Aaron Rodgers’ ruptured Achilles injury on September 10, 2023, that requirement was raised once more.

You’ll notice some changes this @Colts season, starting with the field!

Instead of rubber, it’s made of organic coconut husk and cork! The turf will play more like a grass field.

Because the fibers are smaller, the colors really pop. @WTHRcom pic.twitter.com/DH9apQb10H

— Gina Glaros (@ginaglaros) September 5, 2024 

NFL Stadiums with Real Grass

Two teams who have natural grass fields in Lambeau and Heinz Field yet have stadiums in cold regions are the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns. Bermuda grass is used in Arizona and Las Vegas instead of artificial turf, even in their indoor venues.

At Arizona’s State Farm Stadium, the natural grass is retractable, so they can pull it out for concerts or soccer games.

The Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium and the Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium both use Bermuda grass, which is perfect for football. Meanwhile, the grass at Raymond James Stadium, Nissan Stadium, and FedExField is cared for by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, and Washington Commanders, respectively.

And don’t forget Soldier Field (home of the Bears), FirstEnergy Stadium (home of the Browns), and Empower Field (home of the Broncos). These stadiums sport Kentucky bluegrass, a cool-season turf that stays lush and green.

NFL stadiums with natural grass:

NFL stadiums with artificial turf:

NFL stadiums equipped with Desso GrassMaster

Desso Grassmaster is a sports field surface that combines synthetic fibers with real grass. This hybrid system was developed by the Dutch company Desso Sports in 1993.

1. Green Bay Packers, Lambeau Field, Desso GrassMaster
2. Philadelphia Eagles, Lincoln Financial Field, Desso GrassMaster