CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns will play on artificial turf in their new $2.6 billion stadium, set to open for the 2029 NFL season. The team currently plays on natural grass. Construction began April 30.
The move tips the league's playing surface balance: 16 teams currently play on artificial turf and 16 on grass. The Browns' decision shifts that to 17 on artificial turf and 15 on grass.
The decision lands as the turf debate remains active. Eight NFL teams temporarily replaced their artificial turf with natural grass to meet FIFA requirements during the 2026 World Cup. The NFL Players Association used the tournament to advocate for more grass fields league-wide, running a social media campaign under the hashtag #WorthTheCost during the World Cup Final. Dozens of players joined the effort.
The new Cleveland stadium will retain the capability to install natural grass, likely for soccer matches and other non-NFL events.
Other recent stadium projects show varied approaches. The Buffalo Bills converted their new venue from artificial turf to natural grass; that stadium hosts its first regular-season game Sept. 17. The Kansas City Chiefs have not yet decided on a playing surface for their forthcoming domed facility.
The Washington Commanders' proposed $3.8 billion stadium and mixed-use development is entering the final weeks of its public comment period. The project is scheduled to open in 2030. Residents have raised concerns about the size of planned parking garages and the preservation of green space.
The Denver Broncos' plans for a new retractable-roof stadium by 2031 face potential delays. Broncos President Damani Leech said Saturday that slow community input processes jeopardize the timeline.
