The Buffalo Bills are set to completely replace the natural grass surface at the brand new Highmark Stadium ahead of their home opener against the Detroit Lions in Week 2.
This season will mark the first time the Bills have played on natural grass, as the team played on artificial turf since the team's inception 53 years ago.
According to the USA Today, the new Highmark's natural grass field was prone to divots and losing sod during the Bills' preseason games.
“You can be happy with the performance and playability, and still make the change. As an organization, we’re committed to having the best possible playing surface for our players,” Pete Guelli, Bills’ president of business operations said in a statement following the Bills' win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the team's preseason finale.
“With a stretch of three consecutive home games early in the season, we decided it was the appropriate time to re-sod our field. This process will begin on Monday with full installation of a new surface completed by the end of the week," Guelli said. “We will continue to monitor the field—and every aspect of our new stadium—to ensure it is the best possible experience for our players and fans.”
