Chiefs Face Costly Choice Between Grass and Artificial Turf for New Domed Arena
The Kansas City Chiefs are in the process of deciding whether to install natural grass or artificial turf on their new domed stadium. According to reporting by ProFootballTalk (NBC Sports), no official decision has been made, with the team’s preference being natural grass despite high costs and complexity involved.
If the Chiefs do go for grass, they’ll need a mechanism like a sliding tray similar to what Arizona Cardinals and Oakland Raiders have at their venues, or an elaborate underground storage system. This not only adds expense but also complicates event scheduling due to the variety of uses the stadium will serve beyond football games.
Why Grass is Important
The NFL Players Association values natural grass because it may provide better health benefits for players compared to synthetic turf. Currently, out of 32 NFL teams, only 16 (including the Chiefs) play on grass, making this choice significant both for the team's preferences and player well-being.
Cost Considerations
The decision comes down to financial feasibility. Maintaining a high-quality natural grass surface in an indoor facility presents challenges not faced by the outdoor games traditionally played on turf. The cost of running, maintaining, and moving the grass as needed for various events could outweigh the benefits, potentially pushing teams towards artificial turf.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chiefs’ preference?
The Kansas City Chiefs have expressed a preference for natural grass but no final decision has been made yet. The NFL Players Association also supports the use of grass to ensure player health and safety.
How much could it cost to maintain grass in an indoor stadium?
Maintaining high-quality natural grass inside a domed stadium can be costly, involving regular watering, fertilizing, and maintenance. Additionally, moving the turf system in and out, or burying it underground, adds further expenses that need careful consideration.