Ravens To Switch To Natural Grass For 2016 Season
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The Ravens recently announced they are switching from using artificial turf to natural grass at M&T Bank Stadium by the start of the 2016 season.
Baltimore had natural grass back when M&T Bank Stadium opened in 1998, but they had trouble keeping it in good condition late in the season due to sunlight restrictions. Moving forward, the Ravens plan to use artificial light to keep grass growing where the field is shaded.
Team President Dick Cass said, "the players really wanted to play on grass and that was a key consideration. The coaches wanted to play on grass."
Once it was a possibility, the two major factors for going forward with natural grass are that it should be better for players' health and because it feels fitting for Baltimore and the rough-and-tumble AFC North attitude.
When Harbaugh was asked if he was the one lobbying for grass he said, "I might have...I like the grass. I think it's the AFC North, it's the Baltimore Ravens – it just seems right."
The Ravens talked to the players about the move in August to get their take and got their approval.
Cass also said the Ravens are not anticipating eliminating any other events they host at the stadium such as concerts or fan nights. While there will be concern about the field being torn up, measures will be taken to prevent damage and the Ravens aren't willing to sacrifice those events.
Overall, 17 of the NFL's 32 teams play their home games on grass.
You can read more from the article and what the players think about the change, here.
