Vikings stadium approved for $1.3 million resurface

On Thursday, the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority gave the green light to a $1.3 million project aimed at installing new artificial turf at U.S. Bank Stadium before the 2024 season. This move positions the Vikings to play on a surface that the NFL has deemed to pose less of an injury risk compared to the current field.

During its regular meeting, the state agency confirmed the project’s cost. The existing slit film turf, installed in 2019, will be replaced early next year with a monofilament surface, recognized by both the league and the players’ union as safer and more akin to natural grass. Advocating for a shift to grass, the NFL Players Association has been urging all stadiums to adopt this surface.

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The decision to replace the turf gained momentum after notable injuries occurred during the Vikings’ game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Oct. 8. Both Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (hamstring) and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (ankle), two standout players, suffered injuries attributed to slips on the existing turf.

Recent replacements of the slit film turf have taken place at stadiums belonging to the Detroit Lions, New York Giants, and New York Jets. As of now, the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals are the only teams still utilizing this style. However, despite efforts to enhance player safety, the effectiveness of injury prevention is not guaranteed. The Miami Dolphins, for instance, raised concerns about the newly installed surface at MetLife Stadium after linebacker Jaelen Phillips suffered an Achilles tendon tear.