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Panthers' Bank of America Stadium Replacing Grass with Artificial Turf Surface
April 28, 2021
The Carolina Panthers will play on artificial turf beginning this preseason, according to ESPN's David Newton.
Bank of America Stadium will also be home to Major League Soccer's Charlotte Football Club when it begins play in 2022, a factor that was considered in the decision since the change will "guarantee a consistent surface."
Following the switch for the Panthers, 16 NFL teams will still play on real grass or a real grass-turf hybrid.
The stadium could see up to 30 professional sporting events annually, in addition to concerts.
The Panthers have also hosted college football games, including the ACC championship and the Duke's Mayo Bowl. The season opener between Georgia and Clemson will be held at the stadium on Sept. 4.
NFLPA president JC Tretter said last year that the organization wanted every team to use grass surfaces for health and safety, per Newton. But players on both the Panthers and Charlotte Football Club were able to give their opinion on the switch before the decision was made.
Bank of America Stadium's surface, which has been grass since the Panthers began play there in 1996, had been voted among the best in the league in surveys run by the NFLPA.
Several other NFL teams use the FieldTurf surface the Panthers will install, including Atlanta, Detroit, New England, Seattle and New York as well as 11 practice facilities.
