The Cleveland Browns have decided to install artificial turf in their new $2.6 billion stadium, which is scheduled to open for the 2029 NFL season. This decision marks a shift from their current natural grass playing surface and will contribute to tipping the NFL landscape toward more turf stadiums, increasing the number of teams playing on turf fields to 17 out of 32. While the new stadium will technically be able to accommodate natural grass, this option is expected to be reserved for soccer events rather than regular Browns games.

This choice comes amid a heightened debate about playing surfaces in the NFL, intensified by the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament required temporary grass installations for eight NFL stadiums, which reignited the conversation on turf versus grass fields. The NFL Players Association has actively campaigned for increased grass usage, launching a social media effort called #WorthTheCost during the World Cup Final that saw numerous players publicly endorsing grass fields for health and performance reasons.

Despite the NFLPA’s push, other teams' stadium plans remain varied, reflecting the ongoing uncertainty in the league regarding preferred playing surfaces. For example, the Buffalo Bills recently switched their new stadium from turf to grass, while the Kansas City Chiefs have yet to decide on their upcoming domed stadium’s surface. This diversity underscores how stadium construction projects continue to navigate the turf-vs.-grass controversy, often balancing player preferences, operational considerations, and multi-use venue demands.

Beyond the Browns, other NFL stadium projects are experiencing different developmental challenges, with the Washington Commanders’ $3.8 billion new stadium and mixed-use development entering a public comment period, focusing on parking and green spaces. Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos face possible delays in approving their new retractable-roof stadium due to slow community feedback. These scenarios highlight the complex landscape of stadium development in the league beyond the turf debate.