NASHVILLE – Dating back to the early years of Nissan Stadium, the Titans explored a number of solutions to improve the natural playing surface. Nashville exists in a transition climate zone, which makes growing a consistent grass surface throughout the entire NFL season nearly impossible.
In more recent years, after player/coach concerns, an increase in injuries, and persistent issues with the undependable surface, the Titans amped up their research with data to determine the best, and safest, plan moving forward. Looking at statistics from the 2018-2021 NFL seasons, Nissan Stadium had higher lower extremity injuries than each of the monofilament synthetic turfs in the league.
The conclusion: Putting in a new, cutting-edge field turf that will be installed in time for the 2023 season.
The project – replacing the grass with monofilament, Matrix Helix Turf with organic infill – will provide players with a consistent playing experience year-round. This fall, Nissan Stadium will become the first NFL stadium with the technology of a synthetic turf system that incorporates organic infill.
“Ultimately we’ve landed on the decision, based on that data, to transition to a monofilament surface with an organic infill that mimics the natural feel of grass while getting the consistency and durability of field turf,” Titans president and CEO Burke Nihill said.
The new playing field at Nissan Stadium will be similar to the surface and infill that is currently used inside the team’s indoor practice facility at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park, and also used in other practice facilities across the NFL. Organic infill retains moisture better than rubber infill to mimic the feel and performance of natural grass, while the matrix helix design of the turf limits infill “splash” upon contact.
Titans head coach Mike Vrabel said the response from the players since that surface was installed prior to last season has been positive.
“There is nothing more important than the health and…
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