The Baltimore Ravens have announced they are switching from an artificial turf field to natural grass at M&T Bank Stadium for the 2016 season.
With the change, the Ravens will join 17 other NFL teams that play on natural grass, according to the 2015 Official NFL Record and Fact Book. The Ravens made the change after players expressed a desire to play on grass.
Coach John Harbaugh says the change reflects the city.
Harbaugh says, “It kind of epitomizes what Baltimore is all about, the history of football in Baltimore. And I know our players are excited about it. Our players want to play on grass.”
The Ravens played on grass from 1998 until 2002 before switching to artificial turf. The new natural surface will consist of bermudagrass and ryegrass.