The NFL, with its immense resources and expertise, should excel in maintaining its playing surfaces. After all, if the NBA and NHL can successfully share stadiums and create puzzle piece courts over ice, then the NFL should have no trouble ensuring that the grass on its fields is in pristine condition, especially at the Super Bowl host city. However, for the second consecutive season, there is a highly publicized turf problem, this time concerning the San Francisco 49ers’ practice field.
Multiple NFL insiders reported that the field at UNLV did not meet the standards expected by the 49ers. Even before the players set foot on the field, team officials were displeased with its surface. They found it too soft and spongy, believing that it put the team at a disadvantage. One possible cause for this issue is that UNLV practices on field turf, so the NFL had to lay a grass surface on top, which was done only a week prior.
During Super Bowl Opening Night, the players deferred questions about the quality of the practice field to head coach Kyle Shanahan. His response indicated that the team had no plans to change practice location and would have to work with what they had for the rest of the week. Shanahan seemed resigned to the situation, stating, “It is what it is. We’ll be alright. It’s the field we got.”
In response to criticism, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the condition of the field. He claimed that while it may be softer than what the 49ers are accustomed to, it was approved by experts.
Last season, the Super Bowl surface issue was with the game field at State Farm Stadium. Players from both the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles criticized it after the game, likening it to a “water park.” It is disheartening to see a league that generates nearly $20 billion in revenue each season and sells Super Bowl tickets for thousands of dollars struggle with such basic aspects of the game. Even natural grass surfaces, like the one at Levi Stadium for Super Bowl 50, have faced complaints.
George Toma, the man who worked on every Super Bowl field from the first to the 57th, shed light on the increasing field problems in recent years. In interviews, Toma highlighted the league’s institutional problem in maintaining its playing surfaces. Although his interviews may seem silly to those unfamiliar with the show, Toma, who is known for his expertise in field maintenance, made a compelling case. A Kansas City Star profile from 2018 described him as a genius in this area, further validating his insights.
It is frustrating to witness such issues in the NFL, especially considering the league’s immense financial resources. With revenue streams pouring in from customers, networks, sponsors, and more, the NFL is one of the most successful products in television history. One would assume that a business of this magnitude could easily handle the responsibility of maintaining its fields. However, it seems that even the big brains in the owner’s boxes and on Park Avenue struggle with this task. Good luck to them as they attempt to roll grass onto MetLife Stadium and other facilities for the World Cup in two years.
In conclusion, the NFL should prioritize the maintenance of its playing surfaces, as it is an area in which the league should have unquestioned expertise. The recent turf problems faced by the San Francisco 49ers, as well as past issues during Super Bowls, highlight the need for improvement. With the league’s vast resources and revenue, there should be no excuse for subpar playing conditions. It’s time for the NFL to invest in ensuring that its fields are in top-notch condition, providing the best possible playing experience for its athletes and fans alike.
