• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

Getting Rid of Artificial Surfaces Could Cost NFL $12M

  • 14 of the NFL’s 30 stadiums use artificial playing surfaces.
  • Converting those surfaces to grass fields would reportedly cost the league $11.9 million.
Man cuts grass on Lambeau Field before the Packers match up with the Raiders
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Shifting to all-grass fields for its 14 stadiums with artificial surfaces stands to be a costly move for the NFL, but it could be a smart, long-term investment.

Across the league, players have voiced their concerns about playing on artificial surfaces, which they claim has led to injuries, including brain injuries leading to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). 

In 2013, the NFL agreed to a $1 billion settlement with former players over concussions. In July, the league distributed its last payments toward the settlement after pocketing $18 billion in 2021. All-grass fields could help alleviate any future grievances over injuries on artificial turf. 

  • Converting those surfaces to grass fields would reportedly cost the league $11.9 million.
  • $500,000 would go toward demolition, new rock underlayment, and irrigation systems.
  • Another $350,000 would be allocated toward lay-and-play sod. 

“The NFL needs to make it a mandatory rule that every team should have grass instead of turf,” tweeted Las Vegas Raiders right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor earlier this year.

New Stadiums, Different Surfaces 

The NFL and its teams have had tough decisions to make as new stadiums come to fruition. 

The Tennessee Titans have planned a new domed stadium in Nashville that is projected to cost $2.1 billion, while the Buffalo Bills will open a new 62,000-seat, open-air stadium in 2026.

Arial view of Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas

Teams Scoring Billions in Public Funds for New Stadiums, Renovations

Teams have secured at least $4.3 billion in public funds since 2000.
December 22, 2022

The Titans have announced that their new stadium will have artificial turf, while the Bills will play their games on an all-grass field.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL’s 16-Game International Slate of Games Nears Reality

The league will play a record seven games outside the U.S. this season.
Aug 30, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) drops back to pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half at Ohio Stadium.

On This Year’s CFB Rosters, Even Backup QBs Make Six Figures

The going rate for backup quarterbacks is in the mid-six-figures.

NFL on Nielsen’s Latest Measurement Upgrade: ‘More Work to Be Done’

The league calls its relationship with the agency a “protracted journey.”
Aug 21, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Former Panthers wide receiver and now commentator Steve Smith Sr. before the game between the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens at Bank of America Stadium.
exclusive

Steve Smith Moves His Podcast, ‘The 89 Show,’ to Blue Wire

The show is co-hosted by Smith and NFL insider James Palmer.

Featured Today

Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.
August 30, 2025

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
August 26, 2025

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.

Liverpool’s $598M Transfer Spree: End of the Title Race Already?

A deal for Swedish striker Alexander Isak highlights a record outlay.
September 1, 2025

The Big Money Behind Minor League Baseball’s Renaming Revolution

Teams are rebranding for local pride—and huge revenue.
September 1, 2025

Osaka Ousts Gauff As American Presence at US Open Dwindles

Gauff’s exit shifts spotlight to Pegula, Anisimova, and Fritz at US Open.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
Dallas Wings
August 29, 2025

WNBA Teams Desperate to Expand Rosters Amid ‘Extreme Hardship’ 

The Wings are scrambling to field eight players Friday night.
August 29, 2025

Who Are the Richest MLB Owners?

MLB owners are among the wealthiest people in the U.S.
August 28, 2025

Selig Backs MLB Salary Cap, but Warns Against Labor Fight

The league’s former commissioner cites salary-cap success in other leagues.
May 24, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban celebrates after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in game two of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center.
August 28, 2025

Mark Cuban on Why NBA Expansion Isn’t Imminent

Cuban said the next CBA could help solve some expansion issues.