New field turf installed at MetLife Stadium, home of Giants and Jets

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — A new playing surface has been installed at MetLife Stadium, where the previous turf had become a source of widespread criticism in recent years.

While not grass, the new surface is believed to be an improved synthetic turf that will decrease the number of injuries that occur at the home of the New York Giants and New York Jets.

The two New York teams will now play on an updated version of FieldTurf — a recent edition called FieldTurf CORE system, which is the first multi-layer dual-polymer monofilament fiber.

The heavyweight infill design claims to deliver a lower incidence of total injuries compared to various infill weights. The performance and durability of the surface are backed by multiple independent certified sources and was tested to 200,000 cycles on the fiber wear test by Penn State's Center for Sports Surface Research.

Giants owner John Mara confirmed to reporters earlier this week that the new turf was installed at the stadium and their team practice facility across the parking lot in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Mara also said he hoped that the stadium eventually will convert to either a grass or hybrid field.

The sticking point with grass has long been its ability to hold up under the northeast climate and heavy usage of MetLife Stadium. Several Giants players publicly expressed their desire to change to natural grass, including former team captain Julian Love, who said «the stats have shown we are on one of the worst fields in the league.»

In the meantime, FieldTurf Core was considered the best option at this time.

«Installation of the new FieldTurf CORE system reinforces the commitment we have to providing the best playing surface for our teams,» president and CEO of MetLife