Browns Plan Artificial Turf for New $2.6 Billion Stadium, Angering Players

The Cleveland Browns plan to install artificial turf in their new $2.6 billion stadium, moving away from the natural grass they currently play on. The switch would take effect when the new venue opens for the 2029 NFL season.

The move would tip the NFL's balance to 17 teams playing on turf, with 15 remaining on natural grass.

NFL players and the NFL Players Association have consistently opposed artificial turf, advocating for natural grass over safety concerns.

The Browns currently play at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland on natural grass, one of 16 NFL teams that do so.

Despite the plan for turf, the new venue will be designed to accommodate a natural grass field, preserving the option for a future surface change. Several NFL stadiums used that kind of flexibility during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, temporarily installing natural grass for the tournament.

The Browns are choosing stadium versatility over player preference—a business call that puts them on the wrong side of their own workforce on an issue the NFLPA has made a priority.

The move would tip the NFL's balance to 17 teams playing on turf, with 15 remaining on natural grass.

NFL players and the NFL Players Association have consistently opposed artificial turf, advocating for natural grass over safety concerns.

The Browns currently play at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland on natural grass, one of 16 NFL teams that do so.

The Browns are choosing stadium versatility over player preference—a business call that puts them on the wrong side of their own workforce on an issue the NFLPA has made a priority.