In November, it was reported that MetLife Stadium officials were contemplating changing the playing surface from the current FieldTurf Classic HD to a newer, hopefully more safer surface.
The current surface was installed in 2020 and is due to be replaced this year, but not with natural grass. The facility is seeking other artificial surfaces that will be acceptable to the New York Giants and New York Jets, who have lodged many complaints that the turf was unsafe and the culprit of many an injury.
“We evaluate our field each season and historically have replaced our playing surface every 3-4 years. We have made the decision to replace the field in 2023 and are currently reviewing proposals from multiple vendors for a new synthetic surface,” MetLife Stadium said in a statement to ESPN back in November.
Before that happens, officials at MetLife will seek the input of both clubs after providing injury data.
Jeff Miller of the NFL said league would give Giants and Jets data on injuries and what surfaces they happen on as the teams decide how best to improve the turf at MetLife Stadium. John Mara has said he will confer with players on the matter too.
— Tom Rock (@TomRock_Newsday) December 14, 2022
Last year, the league did an evaluation of the turf at MetLife and cleared it for play, claiming it was safe. The players, some from visiting teams as well, begged to differ.
Either way, a change is coming. Hopefully, it will be acceptable to all parties.
