Artificial Turf Sun Study: How Stadium Design Shines a Light on Smarter Playing Fields

When the sun comes out, it’s game time. But since the weather doesn’t always cooperate with the NFL’s schedule, teams need a surface that performs in any condition. That’s where artificial turf shines. Because it doesn’t rely on sunlight to grow, it stays green, safe, and consistent year-round—no watering, mowing, or waiting on the weather.

Across the country, more professional teams are discovering that natural grass simply can’t keep up. Maintaining real turf demands constant upkeep and costs a fortune, especially when shade or poor weather prevents healthy growth. As a result, more stadiums are turning to synthetic grass as the dependable, long-term solution.

At Watersavers Turf, we supply the same high-performance materials trusted by major sports venues. Our experts can help you find the perfect turf system for your athletic field, playground, or commercial project.

Why Sports Teams Choose Synthetic Turf

Athletes and field managers alike value the durability, consistency, and cost savings of artificial turf. It’s built to handle intense play and keep its even surface through every game. Whether for football, soccer, or multi-sport facilities, synthetic grass offers a safe, smooth playing experience, without the expensive upkeep of live lawns.

Beyond sports, the same benefits appeal to homeowners, resorts, and pet parks. The versatility of synthetic turf makes it one of the smartest investments for both recreation and design.

The Atlanta Artificial Turf Sun Study

In Atlanta, a groundbreaking artificial turf sun study shaped the future of the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The design team conducted a detailed sunlight analysis before deciding between real grass and synthetic turf.

Why Artificial Turf Was the Winning Choice

Lead architect Bill Johnson explained that live grass couldn’t survive the limited sunlight within the stadium. Artificial turf offered a reliable alternative, one that stays green, cushioned, and game-ready no matter the weather.

General Manager Scott Jenkins added that the stadium’s multi-use nature required a versatile surface. It needed to perform for both football and soccer, maintain safe traction for players, and look flawless on camera. “Versatility is the key for our turf surface,” Jenkins said, “from how the ball rolls for soccer, to safety for football, to how natural the grass appears.”

The result is a world-class stadium built for durability, safety, and year-round performance, all made possible through a smart sun study and the use of cutting-edge artificial turf.

Bring Proven Turf Technology to Your Project

Whether you are designing a professional sports complex or a local practice field, Watersavers Turf can help you find the ideal turf system. Visit one of our locations for free 1’x1’ samples, or call 844-974-8873 for a free estimate.

Discover the benefits of smart design backed by science, and see why an artificial turf sun study can make all the difference in your next project.