M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens, has converted from synthetic turf back to natural grass in response to strong player preference and major advances in turf technology. The new field features a 12-inch rootzone incorporating Profile Porous Ceramic (PPC) Greens Grade inorganic soil amendments to enhance nutrient retention, root growth and resistance to compaction and drainage problems. The rootzone mix sits above existing drainage and heating systems and is sodded with Tifway 419 bermudagrass, with Homerun ryegrass and supplemental Stadium Grow Lighting planned to support late-season growth. These upgrades complement the stadium’s broader LEED Gold–certified, water-efficient, environmentally friendly operations.
Key points:
- Ravens players and NFL surveys indicated that 90 to 95 percent of players prefer natural grass, citing better feel underfoot and softer landings.
- The new natural field uses a 12-inch rootzone, doubling the previous 6-inch layer to better support NFL-level turfgrass performance.
- Rootzone construction includes a 90 percent sand, 5 percent native soil and 5 percent peat mix with 10 percent Profile Greens Grade PPC in the top 6 inches to improve infiltration and maintain a consistent air–water balance.
- M&T Bank Stadium pairs its natural grass upgrade with LEED Gold certification, sustainable purchasing, efficient irrigation that reduces 30 percent of potable water for outside irrigation, and environmentally friendly maintenance programs.
