The artificial turf the Patriots laid down at Gillette Stadium after the removal of the grass surface used for the World Cup has been deemed “noncompliant” and has forced the team to install a new field just days before they’re set to host a preseason game.
New England’s COO Jim Nolan told ESPN that NFL and players union lab testing protocols resulted in the noncompliance, despite passing field tests by the NFL and MLS; the New England Revolution also play at the stadium.
World Cup host stadiums that normally have turf surfaces had to install grass for World Cup games.
The last game played in Foxborough was a quarterfinal on July 9.
“The field we’re installing is the latest version of the field we took out in January,” Nolan told ESPN. “From a player perspective, it will be incredibly consistent with what they played on last year.”
The turf, combined with a rubber shock pad known as an “E-layer,” was laid on concrete when it was tested in March, per ESPN.
However, the “E-layer” was not used at the stadium, which has a “stone dust” base instead of concrete, according to Boston.com.
The Patriots, coming off a Super Bowl loss to the Seahawks, are set to host the Colts in their preseason opener Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
Their regular season home opener will be on Sept. 20 during Week 2, when they’ll host the Steelers 11 days following their Week 1 visit to the Seahawks.
According to Boston.com, the installation of the new field was scheduled to begin after the Revolution’s game Saturday night and be completed in time for Thursday’s Patriots game.
NFL players have been vocal in recent years about wanting all games to be played on grass.
The calls grew louder during the World Cup, with players wondering why grass could be installed for soccer players but not them.
