Bill Would Prevent Ohio's Professional Sports Teams From Playing on Synthetic Turf

Two Ohio lawmakers have introduced a bill that would require professional sports stadiums in the state to use natural grass fields.

As reported by J.D. Davidson of The Center Square, the bipartisan bill does not address the countless synthetic turf high school football, soccer, baseball, lacrosse and softball fields. It also doesn’t mention numerous college and university fields throughout the state, including the one inside Ohio Stadium in Columbus.

“Ohio has two fantastic NFL franchises that make up a large part of our economy and culture,” Rodney Creech, a Republican from West Alexandria, said. “This legislation prioritizes the safety of our professional athletes and supports Ohio’s sports industry.” 

The bill, cosponsored by Cleveland Democrat Terrance Upchurch, would require professional stadiums to have at least 90 percent natural grass fields maintained at industry standard levels for high-performance field surfaces.

In a news release, Creech said synthetic turf fields have a higher rate of injuries.

"The Bengals play in Paycor Stadium, an outdoor stadium with synthetic turf since 2004. The stadium opened in 2000," Davidson wrote for The Center Square. "The Cleveland Browns, who play on natural grass, continue to push for a new stadium, which could include a dome. That likely would mean a turf field."

According to a Sports Illustrated report cited by Davidson, Browns ownership told other NFL owners in March that they are considering a new domed facility outside of downtown that would cost $2.5 billion. They are also considering $1.2 billion in renovations to the current stadium, which was built in 1999.

Other professional stadiums in the state, including the Columbus Crews’ Lower.com Field, FC Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium and several minor league baseball teams, all have natural grass.

Currently, 15 stadiums used by NFL teams feature natural grass, while the other 15 employ synthetic turf.