The New England Patriots are scrambling to replace the artificial turf at Gillette Stadium after it was deemed "noncompliant" by NFL and players union lab testing protocols. The urgency comes just days before the team is scheduled to host the Indianapolis Colts in their preseason opener on Thursday.
The turf, which was installed after the stadium's grass surface was removed following the World Cup, failed testing despite previously passing evaluations by both the NFL and Major League Soccer, according to ESPN. The New England Revolution, who also play at the stadium, were impacted by the World Cup's requirement for grass surfaces.
Jim Nolan, the Patriots' COO, told ESPN that the new field being installed is an updated version of the turf removed in January, aiming to provide a playing surface consistent with what players experienced last season. The problematic turf system reportedly involved a turf layer combined with an "E-layer" shock pad installed on concrete. However, at Gillette Stadium, the "E-layer" was not used, and the base was made of "stone dust" instead of concrete, a detail noted by Boston.com.
The installation of the replacement field was slated to begin Saturday night, following the Revolution's game, with completion targeted before Thursday's preseason matchup.
NFL players have increasingly expressed a desire for all games to be played on grass fields, a sentiment that grew during the World Cup as players questioned why grass could be installed for soccer but not for their sport. The Patriots, who are preparing for their home preseason opener after a Super Bowl loss to the Seahawks, will host the Colts at 7:30 p.m. Their regular-season home opener is scheduled for Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.