Overview
- Teams must choose stadium fields from an approved set of manufacturers and styles covering natural, synthetic or hybrid surfaces.
- The policy applies to any stadium replacing a surface for the 2026 season, with all venues required to meet the standard by the start of 2028.
- The league will provide clubs a library of accredited options before next season following lab and on‑site evaluations.
- Testing uses the BEAST traction device and the STRIKE Impact Tester, with approvals set by a joint NFL/NFLPA committee.
- The model mirrors the helmet accreditation system, and the league is not mandating grass based on medical data showing no statistically significant injury differences by surface type.