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AT&T Stadium and Gillette Stadium have begun the process of removing the natural grass fields installed specifically for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While FIFA mandates natural grass for tournament matches, both venues are transitioning back to their standard artificial turf surfaces to accommodate the upcoming NFL season, despite ongoing player advocacy for permanent grass fields.
The Transition Back to Artificial Turf
Following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, crews at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, started removing the temporary grass surfaces this past Thursday. The conversion is a logistical necessity for these venues, which serve as primary homes for the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots, respectively.
FIFA regulations strictly require all venues to utilize natural grass for international soccer matches. Because both stadiums utilize artificial turf for their standard NFL operations, the grass fields were installed as a temporary measure to meet tournament compliance. With the soccer matches concluded, the stadiums are reverting to their turf configurations ahead of the start of the NFL season.
Did you know?
AT&T Stadium hosted nine matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, requiring a high-maintenance transition to natural grass that must now be completely dismantled to return to the stadium’s standard playing surface.
Player Advocacy vs. Stadium Economics
The return to artificial turf comes amid a broader debate regarding player safety and field surface preferences. Many NFL players have publicly lobbied for the league-wide adoption of natural grass. Notably, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has been a vocal proponent of this shift. On June 25, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) released an official statement advocating for natural grass on Kittle’s behalf.
Despite this pressure, ownership perspectives remain focused on stadium versatility and financial performance. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones addressed the topic earlier this year, stating that the organization remains “ambiguous” regarding the safety differences between turf and grass. According to comments reported by ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, Jones emphasized that artificial turf provides the flexibility required for the stadium’s varied business operations.
“The turf, actually like many things, improves the economics of being able to play this game and our players are the biggest benefactor of all,” Jones said. He noted that the organization is comfortable installing grass to meet specific soccer regulations but prioritizes the quick return to turf to manage the stadium’s broader business commitments.
Operational Realities for NFL Venues
For NFL franchises, the ability to host non-football events—such as concerts, conventions, and international soccer—is a significant revenue driver. The “flexibility” mentioned by Jones highlights the operational tension between specialized playing surfaces and the multi-use nature of modern stadiums.
As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for their training camp, which is scheduled to begin on July 27, the focus shifts entirely to the gridiron. The rapid removal of the World Cup grass signals the end of the tournament-specific infrastructure and the start of the standard NFL maintenance cycle.
Keep an eye on the NFLPA’s official statements during the off-season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was grass installed at AT&T Stadium?
FIFA requires all venues hosting World Cup matches to use natural grass surfaces. AT&T Stadium installed a temporary grass field to comply with these tournament regulations.
Will the NFL transition to grass permanently?
As of now, there is no league-wide mandate to switch to natural grass. While players like George Kittle and the NFLPA have advocated for the change, team owners, including Jerry Jones, have cited economic and operational flexibility as reasons to maintain artificial turf.
When do the Dallas Cowboys return to the field?
The Cowboys’ training camp for the 2026 season is scheduled to begin on July 27.
What are your thoughts on the turf versus grass debate in the NFL? Should player safety preferences outweigh stadium operational flexibility? Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on stadium infrastructure and NFL trends, or leave a comment below to join the discussion.