Is Heinz Field Grass or Turf? | Easily Explained
Heinz Field is one of the most well known stadiums in the country.
In this page, we will explain whether or not Heinz Field has real grass, and if so, why they do, and how they do it.
Is Heinz Field Grass or Turf?
Heinz Field uses real grass, specifically Kentucky Bluegrass. Something that's not mentioned enough is their installation of new heating pipes, which allows the grass to be well maintained during the colder parts of the year.
The field is a total of 2.2 acres of bluegrass, which is made up of:
- A 10 inch layer
- The mixture is made up of an 82% sand & 18% soil
- 4 inches of peal gravel
- 1.75 miles of pipes
The automated heating system below the field is maintained at a steady 62 degrees, allowing players to play in decent field conditions throughout the entire year.
The days of players having to play on a frozen field, and landing on a tough, frozen surface are gone.
Irrigation System at Heinz Field
Heinz field has a very unique and extremely convenient irrigation system, as they use a Hunter Genesis controller.
This controller allows field operators to provide different sections of the field the extra attention that they may need (after the wear and tear of a game), to keep the field in pristine condition.
Why Do They Use a Grass Field?
Over the last few years, there have been many players who have voiced their support for grass fields over turf fields.
The reason for this mainly comes down to injuries, as many professional players have been injured on turf fields.
Turf fields are generally much harder on the body to land on, and also very easy to get turf burn from.
Although grass fields are more favored by players, they're also more difficult to maintain throughout an entire season of use along with the different changes in weather.