NFL to provide standards for fields

[wolfgang]

NFL to implement field standards

It is unclear if this will result in any changes to the surface at Lucas Oil stadium or any other stadium that theoretically may host a DCI show.

One thing many noticed at BOA last month was a haze in the air after a while. It seems the small rubber pellets in the turf were replaced with a mixture which includes sawdust.

After thousands of marchers over many hours, one could see a dusty haze in front of the black curtains along the back. At the time I didn't think of this, but that cannot be good to breathe in.

[LabMaster]

2 hours ago, wolfgang said:

NFL to implement field standards

It is unclear if this will result in any changes to the surface at Lucas Oil stadium or any other stadium that theoretically may host a DCI show.

One thing many noticed at BOA last month was a haze in the air after a while. It seems the small rubber pellets in the turf were replaced with a mixture which includes sawdust.

After thousands of marchers over many hours, one could see a dusty haze in front of the black curtains along the back. At the time I didn't think of this, but that cannot be good to breathe in.

The field was the same at DCI.  Heard  nothing about a dusty haze.  Saw no dusty haze.

The field was replaced not long ago, after Olympic swimming trials, so it’s relatively new.

[BK4Ever]

It’s made of organic material like walnut shell and coconut husks. I actually talked to someone at LOS who manages the field, and keeping rodents away is actually a new issue. The new turf is much safer for players and seemed less bouncy and much lighter to me, at least compared to when I walked on it.

[keystone3ply]

10 minutes ago, BK4Ever said:

It’s made of organic material like walnut shell and coconut husks. I actually talked to someone at LOS who manages the field, and keeping rodents away is actually a new issue. The new turf is much safer for players and seemed less bouncy and much lighter to me, at least compared to when I walked on it.

✅ We just replaced our 10-yr-old 'rubber pellet' stadium turf last summer & it has the new walnut/coconut infill material.  

Edited December 5, 2025 by keystone3ply
c

[rpbobcat]

I design synthetic turf fields.

The issues with "organic" infill include durability and maintenance.

Never heard of "organic" infill that using any type of sawdust.

Unlike cryogenic rubber, "organic" infill will degrade over time.

It also is harder to "groom" back to its original compaction after 

repeated use, especially for football.

 

 

 

[Jeff Ream]

4 hours ago, LabMaster said:

The field was the same at DCI.  Heard  nothing about a dusty haze.  Saw no dusty haze.

The field was replaced not long ago, after Olympic swimming trials, so it’s relatively new.

just last year right or was it 23?

[BK4Ever]

10 minutes ago, Jeff Ream said:

just last year right or was it 23?

New for the 2024 season

[BG984]

7 hours ago, wolfgang said:

NFL to implement field standards

It is unclear if this will result in any changes to the surface at Lucas Oil stadium or any other stadium that theoretically may host a DCI show.

One thing many noticed at BOA last month was a haze in the air after a while. It seems the small rubber pellets in the turf were replaced with a mixture which includes sawdust.

After thousands of marchers over many hours, one could see a dusty haze in front of the black curtains along the back. At the time I didn't think of this, but that cannot be good to breathe in.

I can't fathom a turf with a mixture that would include inhalable sawdust.  As an asthmatic, I can tell you that would be lethal for me......and for many........I just can't see that making the grade before installation........if what you are saying is true, the possible litigation by anyone exposed (and I mean anyone....from NFL players, to waterboys, cheerleaders, workers, marchers, and thousands and thousands of spectators)........would be ginormous.....during DCI, I didn't see any evidence of a "haze".  Also, I never experienced any air quality issues in the stadium the years I attended DCI in Lucas Oil. and I have a very sensitive respiratory system........just bad sound...lol....

[wolfgang]

33 minutes ago, BG984 said:

I can't fathom a turf with a mixture that would include inhalable sawdust.  As an asthmatic, I can tell you that would be lethal for me......and for many........I just can't see that making the grade before installation........if what you are saying is true, the possible litigation by anyone exposed (and I mean anyone....from NFL players, to waterboys, cheerleaders, workers, marchers, and thousands and thousands of spectators)........would be ginormous.....during DCI, I didn't see any evidence of a "haze".  Also, I never experienced any air quality issues in the stadium the years I attended DCI in Lucas Oil. and I have a very sensitive respiratory system........just bad sound...lol....

Thanks. This is what I was told. Whatever it is, a number of people noticed a brownish haze in the stadium as the day went on, especially visible in the lighting in front of the black curtain, and high enough to be in the 500 and 600 levels.

You say you saw no haze. Were you at BOA Grand Nationals in the evening?

Edited December 5, 2025 by wolfgang

[greg_orangecounty]

I doubt sawdust is in the mix for turf as it's known to cause many negative health issues when inhaled.