When will the NFL's new field standards be in effect?

The new enhanced NFL field standards are set to be fully implemented by 2028.

What testing methods are used for NFL fields?

Fields are tested using devices like the BEAST for traction and the STRIKE Impact Tester for firmness.

Does the NFL require natural grass fields?

No, the NFL does not plan to require natural grass fields, focusing instead on overall playing surface quality.

Home / Sports / NFL Fields Get Makeover: New Standards by 2028

NFL Fields Get Makeover: New Standards by 2028

6 Dec, 2025

•

Summary

NFL implementing new field standards by 2028.
Field testing includes traction and impact assessment tools.
Player feedback and injury risk are key considerations.

NFL Fields Get Makeover: New Standards by 2028

The National Football League is set to implement enhanced standards for all playing surfaces across its stadiums. These new regulations, designed to ensure greater consistency, must be met by 2028. The program involves comprehensive lab and field testing, with teams receiving a library of accredited fields before the 2026 season.

Nick Pappas, an NFL field director, detailed the rollout, explaining that both new and existing fields will be evaluated. Testing utilizes advanced tools such as the BEAST traction device and the STRIKE Impact Tester to assess field quality. The initiative prioritizes playability, injury risk reduction, and player feedback.

Despite player preferences for natural grass, the NFL's chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills, stated there are no statistically significant differences in lower extremity injuries or concussions linked to playing surfaces. He emphasized that multiple factors contribute to injuries, with field conditions being only one component in a complex equation.