Marketplace · Thursday, August 27, 2026
The choice between natural grass and artificial turf in NFL stadiums is driven largely by economics, as turf can better withstand non-football events like concerts, generating more revenue. However, players strongly prefer grass for safety reasons, and the NFL Players Association believes the technology exists to use grass universally, as demonstrated during the World Cup.
“For one, grass is expensive. You have to grow it, install it, replace it when it gets torn up after a game.”
“Turf on the other hand can more easily handle say, a Beyoncé concert. So stadiums with artificial fields can bring in more revenue.”
“And the union has a chance to push owners on this issue in its next collective bargaining agreement, which comes up for renewal after the 2030 season.”