Will the Chiefs’ new stadium have grass? No decision has been made. - NBC Sports

What the report says

NBCSports.com’s Pro Football Talk reported July 22, 2026, that the Kansas City Chiefs have not yet made an official choice on the playing surface for their planned new domed stadium in Kansas. The unresolved question is whether the venue will use natural grass or artificial turf. According to the report, the Chiefs’ stated preference is to remain on grass.

The issue matters because a domed, multipurpose stadium creates practical and financial challenges for maintaining a high-quality grass field. NBCSports.com noted that if the Chiefs choose grass, the stadium would likely need a system to protect or relocate the surface when the building hosts other events. Examples elsewhere in the NFL include fields that slide outside the stadium, as used by the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders, or more complex systems that store the field below the venue.

The playing-surface decision also fits into a broader league debate. The NFL Players Association has advocated for grass fields across NFL stadiums, citing player preferences and safety concerns. NBCSports.com reported that Kansas City is currently among 16 NFL teams that play on grass, making the new stadium decision significant for whether that total is preserved.

The final outcome appears tied to cost and funding. The report framed the choice as a question of whether the Chiefs and stadium planners can pay for the added infrastructure needed to keep grass viable inside a roofed stadium, rather than opting for artificial turf.