Field is rough

[nfrine]

14 NFL teams play on natural grass.
14 NFL teams play on some type of artificial turf.
2 NFL team play on hydrid system of natural grass and artificial fiber.

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

Over the years, NFL stadiums have featured artificial turf, with more than half of the franchises still using it. Which NFL stadiums have natural grass?

en.as.com

 

[stewart092284]

I guess I am just the crazy one that doesn't see the slipping as a huge deal. It affects both teams in the same fashion.

On this, yes, that is a crazy take. Slipping is a massive deal. Especially defensively. Yes, offensive players hate to slip when they cut but on defense when you are chasing people and have to react to everything - having your feet go out from you at any time is a huge thing.

Our field is typically great. This year has been awful though, even before the rain. IDK why.

 

[frackincygy]

Most of the time during all the rain we have had, they have the field tarped, little of that extra moisture actually touches the field.

Dew is not going to cause the issue. They arent slipping on the top, the footing doesnt seem to be stable, and turf appears to tear up under their feet, in chunks, not people slipping on top.

I dont know if the "hybrid stitching" we did last year hasnt worked out, but from last year to this year for whatever reason.

I am not saying I like turf more. But this has been a theme this year, and others for that matter. A couple years ago everyone blamed the old field needing reworked. Now that is not the issue.

Fact is the late season game are always going to be an issue with natural grass here. But for some reason this year it has been most of the season, not just late Nov games.

We cant compare ourselves to NFL stadiums, they have A LOT more money invested in their fields, to allow for them to hold up to the late season abuse. A LOT, we dont have that kind of budget.

Does that mean, we should switch it our, maybe, maybe not. IF we change to turf, we have to worry more about injuries, if we keep it natural, we will have these issues, especially late in the year. Both options come with problems, to go along with the benefits.

Overall, I agree, grass is better. I want to keep grass for a number of reasons. But Iowa may not be exactly conducive to have natural grass fields with the season getting longer year after year, at least without a substantial budget increase in field maintenance.

You seem pretty knowledgeable on the topic. What's the dollar figure difference between an NFL field budget and Iowa State's?

 

[Trice]

Not an expert but drainage is gonna stop standing water, it is not going to magically turn grass into artificial turf when it comes to dryness. Like I said, take a look at the NFL grass fields tomorrow and see how they compare.

It might only be '1' game per week, but it most certainly takes a toll on grass. -taps the 'look at the NFL fields tomorrow sign.'

Not one game per week, one game every other week. We haven't had home games on consecutive Saturdays all season.

I think field turf makes sense for a bunch of reasons but whatever, I don't really care. But defending the grass field by saying it would be fine if it weren't for rain or night games is pretty silly on its face, because in a typical college football season you're going to have plenty of both.

 

[Cloned4Life]

Not one game per week, one game every other week. We haven't had home games on consecutive Saturdays all season.

I think field turf makes sense for a bunch of reasons but whatever, I don't really care. But defending the grass field by saying it would be fine if it weren't for rain or night games is pretty silly on its face, because in a typical college football season you're going to have plenty of both.

The 'dew' and 'rain' excuse is fine for slips on the top of the grass, which isn't happening. The slips are tearing up entire chunks of turf, almost to the base/root level. This isn't normal and does not happen at all grass fields. It has been noticeable in every home game this season, including the afternoon games.

 

[ghettocowboy4cy]

They should’ve went with TWI sod and not stensland!

 

[ScottyP]

There were chunks of sod coming up all over the place. That is not caused by dew.

 

[madguy30]

Seems the slipping occurs more often at night games. We have had a lot of night games. So it just seems more prevalent this year

I don't recall seeing it being as much of an issue with other teams' night games on grass.

 

[LivntheCyLife]

My issue is the field looks better than it plays. I'm no expert but that suggests to me the whole soil/root/grass combination isn't the right consistency. I've heard that there is a synthetic component which is much more common in Europe. Watching Iowa State it does remind me of a soccer field where guys seem to easily slide across the turf.

It seems like it's been good for protecting ACLs and ankles, but I am worried about the number of awkward collisions and potential injuries that might result.

 

[cycloneML]

Why can’t it be covered?

 

[ExCyment]

It’s time for turf. When our own players are slipping all over our “home field”, you know it’s time.

Field was great, perfect for football.

 

[ClubCy]

Honestly if we had the opportunity to host a playoff this game year, this is something they would seriously look at

 

[clonedude]

The Bears field in Chicago has always been terrible... and I think if anyone is truly honest about Green Bay's field too... it's not good either.

Truth is... grass fields in the north this time of year are terrible. So if you don't want to slip... you have to go artificial.

 

[CycloneVet]

It's been a POS all year. People have been slipping all year.

Was it a problem when you played?

 

[StPaulCyclone]

I know our coaches have preferred the grass field as an equalizer against other teams that usually have more speed than we do. I feel like it is opponents that are slipping more then we are. UCF and Cinci haven’t played here before and UCF changed out their cleats during the game. Weather may be a factor this year.

 

[stewart092284]

IDK. That first Tech touchdown Cooper just flat out fell down if memory serves. Its been a factor.

 

[IsUaClone2]

"Gal"? What year is this, 1967?

According to your avatar it is.

 

[dafarmer]

Didn’t seem like it bothered their Quarterback, how many rushing yards did he end up with?

 

[isufbcurt]

Was it a problem when you played?

No I don't recall any issues then.

Honestly it is something I never noticed until the last few years, but seems to be chunking more frequently.

 

[MartyFine]

Artificial surfaces objectively cause more injuries (and we think we have injury problems now). If we go back then we should go back to the Criner/Walden era concrete parking lot playing surface.