Is It Real Grass At Allegiant Stadium? Unpacking Las Vegas's Unique Field

Darrel Greenholt 28 Jul 2025

Many people wonder about the playing surface at Allegiant Stadium, and it's a very good question, actually, whether it features real grass or something else entirely. This impressive structure, a rather new addition to the world of sports venues, was built with a fascinating design in mind, specifically to handle more than one type of playing surface. So, you know, when you think about stadiums, you might picture just one kind of field, but Allegiant Stadium truly stands out because of its dual surface capability, which is pretty neat.

The stadium, a truly modern marvel, was indeed designed from the ground up to accommodate both natural grass and artificial turf. It's a rather clever setup, allowing for different events and preferences, which is quite important for a busy venue. This dual design means that, depending on who is playing or what event is happening, the field can change, offering a lot of versatility, as a matter of fact.

So, does Allegiant Stadium have real grass? The short answer is yes, it absolutely does, and it also has artificial turf. This flexibility is a key part of what makes the stadium so special, giving it a unique edge, and it's something that many visitors and fans find quite interesting, to be honest.

The Unique Retractable Field Tray
Why the Raiders Prefer Real Grass
UNLV and the Artificial Turf
Growing and Maintaining the Grass
Super Bowl and the Grass Field
Stadium Design and Playing Levels
Frequently Asked Questions

The Unique Retractable Field Tray

One of the most talked-about things about Allegiant Stadium, and something that truly sets it apart, is its remarkable retractable field tray. This isn't just any field; it's a massive, movable platform that holds the natural grass playing surface for the Las Vegas Raiders. It's a rather ingenious solution, allowing the grass to get all the sunlight it needs even though the stadium itself is a dome, which is pretty cool, you know.

This retractable field is, quite frankly, the first of its kind in North America, making Allegiant Stadium a bit of a pioneer in stadium technology. It's not a small thing either; the entire grass tray weighs an astounding 9,500 tons. Just think about that for a second: a playing field weighing as much as, well, a small mountain, moving around on a track with wheels. It's truly a sight to behold, apparently, and a testament to modern engineering.

The whole process involves moving this giant tray in and out of the stadium. When the Raiders need their natural grass field for a game, the tray rolls right into place. When it's not in use, or when the grass needs its dose of natural light, it rolls back outside. This ensures the grass remains healthy and vibrant, which is, you know, quite important for a professional sports surface, and it’s a very clever way to manage it.

It's a rather intricate operation, moving such a colossal piece of infrastructure. The stadium has a concrete floor, and on top of that, there's artificial turf. So, when the grass field is brought in, it essentially sits on top of or replaces the artificial turf for specific events. This dual setup is, in a way, what gives Allegiant Stadium its incredible flexibility, and it's really quite impressive to see how it all works together.

Why the Raiders Prefer Real Grass

The Las Vegas Raiders, as a professional football team, have a clear preference for playing on real grass. This isn't just about tradition; it's also tied to player welfare and performance, which is a big deal for any sports team. Many athletes, actually, feel that natural grass provides a better playing experience, and that's something the Raiders prioritize, you know.

There's a widely held belief among players and coaches that real grass can be a bit softer on the body, potentially reducing the impact of falls and tackles. This could, in some respects, contribute to fewer injuries over the course of a season, which is always a major concern for any team. The feel of the game, too, can be quite different on natural grass compared to artificial surfaces, and the Raiders seem to prefer that authentic feel.

For them, having a natural grass playing surface is a commitment to providing their players with the best possible conditions. It's about optimizing performance and ensuring player safety as much as possible. This choice reflects a very deliberate decision by the organization, showing their dedication to their athletes, and it's a rather significant aspect of their home field advantage, you know.

The grass field at Allegiant Stadium, therefore, isn't just a pretty sight; it's a functional, player-focused choice. It's about giving the Raiders every possible advantage, and it's something that, honestly, many fans appreciate as well. The natural surface is a crucial aspect of the fan experience, providing a comfortable and natural surface for players, and that's something you can truly feel when you're watching a game, apparently.

UNLV and the Artificial Turf

While the Las Vegas Raiders prefer their natural grass, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Rebels football team plays on the artificial turf surface at Allegiant Stadium. This is where the stadium's dual-surface design really shines, offering different playing conditions for different teams and events, which is pretty handy, actually.

The artificial turf is a permanent fixture on the stadium's concrete floor when the grass tray is rolled out. This surface is quite durable and can withstand heavy use, making it ideal for a college team that might have more frequent practices and games. It's also, you know, less maintenance-intensive than natural grass, which can be a practical consideration for stadium management, in some respects.

So, when you go to an UNLV game at Allegiant Stadium, you'll see a different kind of field than what the Raiders play on. This setup allows the stadium to be a versatile venue, hosting a variety of events without constantly needing to change the entire playing surface. It's a very efficient way to use the space, and it means both teams get a surface that suits their needs, apparently.

This distinction between the two playing surfaces is a key part of how Allegiant Stadium operates. It ensures that both the professional NFL team and the college team have a suitable home field, which is a rather clever way to manage a multi-purpose stadium. It's a system that, quite frankly, works very well for everyone involved, and it highlights the stadium's innovative approach to sports facilities, you know.

Growing and Maintaining the Grass

Keeping natural grass healthy in a dome stadium, even one with a retractable field, is a pretty big undertaking. The grass field, as we've mentioned, needs sunlight to grow and stay green. This is why the retractable field tray is so important; it allows the grass to be moved outside the stadium to soak up those essential rays, which is a rather smart design, you know.

The process of growing and preparing the grass for a major event, like a Super Bowl, is incredibly detailed. Experts work to ensure the grass is just right, from its height to its density, and that it can withstand the rigors of professional football. It's a very specialized job, requiring a lot of knowledge about turf management, and it truly shows the dedication behind maintaining such a high-quality playing surface, apparently.

Companies like Airdrain, which is a leader in green sports field building, are involved in creating and maintaining these advanced playing surfaces. They focus on saving time, cost, and the environment, which is a really good thing, too. The technology and expertise that go into keeping that grass in top condition are quite remarkable, ensuring it's always ready for game day, as a matter of fact.

The stadium's commitment to maintaining real grass with innovative landscaping ideas is a big part of its appeal. It's not just about having grass; it's about having consistently excellent grass. This level of care ensures the field is always in prime condition for players, which is, you know, a very important factor for competitive sports, and it’s something that takes a lot of effort, actually. Learn more about stadium innovations on our site.

Super Bowl and the Grass Field

Super Bowl 58, a very big event in the sports calendar, was indeed played on grass at Allegiant Stadium. This was a significant moment, showcasing the stadium's ability to host one of the world's premier sporting events on a natural surface. It really highlighted the quality of the field and the success of the retractable tray system, which is pretty cool, you know.

The preparation for such a high-profile game is intense. The grass field was carefully grown, prepared, and then installed inside the stadium specifically for the Super Bowl. This involved a lot of planning and precise execution to make sure the field was absolutely perfect for the championship game, and it was a rather huge undertaking, apparently.

The decision to play the Super Bowl on grass at Allegiant Stadium reinforced the preference for natural surfaces in major NFL games. It showed that even in a modern, domed stadium, the traditional feel of real grass can be maintained for the biggest events. This was a very important detail for many fans and players, and it truly made the game feel authentic, as a matter of fact.

The successful hosting of Super Bowl 58 on the grass field demonstrated the stadium's capability and the effectiveness of its unique design. It proved that Allegiant Stadium can provide a top-tier natural grass experience for the most demanding events, which is, you know, a very strong statement about its design and functionality. You can find more about the game experience by buying tickets on StubHub to Las Vegas Raiders games at Allegiant, or learn more about this page here.

Stadium Design and Playing Levels

Allegiant Stadium's design is quite sophisticated, featuring two distinct levels of playing fields. There is one level that is 48 inches lower than the other, which is a rather unique architectural detail. This multi-level design likely plays a role in how the retractable grass field is managed and moved, allowing for different configurations, apparently.

The stadium was, as we've discussed, designed to accommodate two playing surfaces right from the start. This foresight in its construction means it can easily switch between the natural grass preferred by the Raiders and the artificial turf used by UNLV. This flexibility is a key aspect of its overall functionality, making it a truly versatile venue, you know.

It's interesting to consider how the stadium manages to house both surfaces so seamlessly. The concrete floor, with the artificial turf laid on top, forms the base, and then the massive grass tray slides into place when needed. This layered approach is a very smart way to handle the different requirements of various teams and events, and it really showcases the stadium's advanced planning, as a matter of fact.

This innovative design ensures that Allegiant Stadium can serve multiple purposes effectively, from professional football games to college matchups and other events. It's a testament to how modern stadiums are being built with versatility and user experience in mind, which is, you know, a very good thing for both players and spectators. For more technical details on stadium construction, you might check out resources from organizations focused on sports venue design, like the Stadium Business Summit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Allegiant Stadium use artificial turf?

Yes, Allegiant Stadium does indeed use artificial turf. While the Las Vegas Raiders play on natural grass, the UNLV Rebels football team uses the artificial turf surface. This dual setup allows the stadium to host a variety of events and accommodate different team preferences, which is pretty convenient, actually.

How does Allegiant Stadium keep its grass healthy indoors?

Allegiant Stadium keeps its natural grass healthy through a very innovative system: a retractable field tray. This giant tray, weighing 9,500 tons, can be moved in and out of the stadium on a track with wheels. This allows the grass to get plenty of natural sunlight when it's outside, ensuring it stays green and healthy for game days, which is a very clever solution, you know.

Which teams play on real grass at Allegiant Stadium?

The Las Vegas Raiders are the team that plays on real grass at Allegiant Stadium. They have a strong preference for a natural playing surface, believing it offers better performance and player safety. The UNLV Rebels, on the other hand, play on the artificial turf, showcasing the stadium's versatility, as a matter of fact.

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Is It Real Grass At Allegiant Stadium? Unpacking Las Vegas's Unique Field

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