Revolutionary Turf Approved for Vikings Stadium! NFL Gives Green Light to Game-Changing Injury-Reducing Surface!

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority granted approval on Thursday for a $1.3 million project aimed at installing new artificial turf at U.S. Bank Stadium before the 2024 season. This move positions the Vikings to compete on a surface that the NFL has deemed less prone to causing injuries compared to the current field.

The state agency solidified the project’s cost during its routine meeting. The existing slit film turf, which was put in place in 2019, will be removed early next year and substituted with a monofilament surface. Both league and union data have affirmed that this replacement is safer and more akin to natural grass. The NFL Players Association has advocated for all stadiums to transition to grass surfaces.

During the October 8 game between Minnesota and Kansas City, notable players like Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (hamstring) and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (ankle) suffered injuries due to slipping on the turf, highlighting concerns about the field’s safety.

Several teams, including the Detroit Lions, New York Giants, and New York Jets, have recently replaced the slit film turf in their stadiums. Currently, the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals are the only teams still using this style. While the new surface is designed with safety in mind, recent criticism from the Miami Dolphins, who raised concerns after linebacker Jaelen Phillips tore an Achilles tendon at MetLife Stadium, underscores that injury prevention is not guaranteed.