MINNEAPOLIS —  The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority approved Thursday a $1.3 million project for new artificial turf at U.S. Bank Stadium before the 2024 season, putting the Vikings on track to play on a surface the NFL has assessed as less of an injury risk than the venue’s current field.
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The state agency finalized the cost at its regular meeting. The slit film turf that was installed in 2019 will be torn up early next year and replaced by a monofilament surface that league and union data have determined to be safer and the most like natural grass. The NFL Players Association has called for all stadiums to switch to grass.
When Minnesota played Kansas City on Oct. 8, Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (hamstring) and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (ankle) — two of the league’s most prolific players — were each injured when they slipped on the turf.

The Detroit Lions, New York Giants and New York Jets are teams whose stadiums have recently replaced the slit film turf. The Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals are the only clubs left currently playing on that style. There’s certainly no guarantee of injury prevention, though. The Miami Dolphins recently criticized the new surface at MetLife Stadium after linebacker Jaelen Phillips tore an Achilles tendon.

​"I know that if my kids had the choice, they would want turf everywhere… They love it, but who doesn’t really. I do - I think it feels and looks great. Kristi and Kent are so genuine and friendly and I feel like they really do care about their customers. They know they have a quality product and quality installation and they want to make sure their customers get the right fit for their needs. Turf is great and often times less maintenance too. I didn’t realize there were so many choices of turf you could choose from."  Anya Mueller

As artificial turf continues advancing in aesthetics, quality and performance, more homeowners, businesses, and organizations are incorporating this versatile landscape alternative. Recent enhancements make today’s best synthetic grass more practical, budget-friendly and eco-conscious than ever. Let’s explore some of latest game-changing artificial turf possibilities.

Performance Refinements
Technology innovations now allow for wider blades, denser tufting and more stability across artificial grass surfaces. This delivers underfoot support comparable to soil beneath natural grass for better traction and more fluid play. Other developments enhance drainage rates through the turf’s porous backing to prevent puddling or overly saturated soil. These refinements make modern synthetic playing fields more playable in wet conditions. They also open up fake grass applications beyond lawns to handle rigorous sports environments.  

Stunning Realism 
While earliest artificial grass looked decidedly fake, modern turf mimics living aesthetic details with uncanny accuracy. Advanced polyethene and polyethylene materials form gently curved blades complete with thatch layers and distinct grain variations. Combining multiple widths and shades of green recreates lightplays seen across real lawns. Adding infill materials like silicone beads increases plushness as synthetic bases are now pre-padded for comfort. Such realism advances enable homeowners in arid climates to enjoy lush yards requiring no irrigation using artificial grass.

Customization Options
Once limited to basic squares of single-tone green, artificial turf now offers tons of customization possibilities. Choose from 15+ shades of green and numerous tan or brown hues. Synthetic grass comes in varying pile heights, tuft densities and yarn qualities to suit different purposes. Some contain antimicrobial elements to inhibit germs while others focus on stain resistance or heat retention. New turf carpets roll out in custom widths, shapes and surface patterns including adding logos or designs using alternating colors. Home and business owners gain creative control to tailor faux lawns to their unique needs and tastes using modular turf systems.

LEED Certification Credits  
Sustainable building projects pursuing LEED certification can potentially secure credits using certain artificial turf products. Synthetic grass earns points for minimizing water use, eliminating fertilizer chemicals leaching into watersheds and redirecting landfill waste into durable fake grass construction. As more Americans environmental values increasingly inform purchase decisions, synthetic turf qualifies as an eco-friendly landscape choice over water hogging grass. Some artificial lawn backings even incorporate recycled sneaker soles or car tires!

Affordability Improvements  
While historically expensive to install, recent artificial grass cost savings promise quicker returns on investment. Lower overhead for manufacturers and distributors translates into reduced consumer pricing. Improved durability technology also increases useful lifespans up to 25+ years for residential and landscaping applications. Combine this with negligible maintenance expenses aside from the occasional rinse, and today’s artificial lawns easily offset their initial price tag over time. Sophisticated DIY-friendly products also enable homeowners to self-install small synthetic yards at under $10 per square foot.

This overview just brushes the vibrant surface of the many advancements elevating and expanding artificial turf possibilities across sectors. What once seemed futuristic now blends seamlessly into modern lifestyles and spaces thanks ongoing innovations. Exciting new developments poised to further propel the industry make now an ideal time to discover seldom-rivaled practicality, beauty and versatility achievable through quality synthetic grass installation solutions.