National Sports
Gillette Stadium Replaces Turf Days Before Patriots Opener
The New England Patriots are replacing the playing surface at Gillette Stadium just days before their first preseason game of the year.
Crews removed the artificial turf after it failed an independent laboratory test required by the NFL. Video from WBZ SkyEye showed rolls of replacement turf inside the stadium as crews worked on the field Monday.
The Patriots installed artificial turf after the natural grass used during the World Cup was removed. Initial testing by the NFL and Major League Soccer indicated the new surface was acceptable, but a separate test involving the NFL and NFL Players Association found the field was not compliant.
The field typically includes a base, a padding layer and artificial grass. At Gillette Stadium, the base is made from stone dust. The team decided not to install an additional padding layer after concerns that it could make the field too springy.
Patriots reporter Mike Reiss said the team expects the latest replacement to pass inspection. The new surface is reportedly the same version used at Gillette Stadium last year, which passed testing.
The Patriots are scheduled to host the Indianapolis Colts in their preseason opener Thursday night.
The decision to use artificial turf instead of natural grass also has a long history in New England. Natural grass was used at Gillette Stadium in 2006, but maintenance became difficult during the season. A late-season game against the New York Jets left the field in poor condition, prompting then-Patriots coach Bill Belichick to push for a return to artificial turf.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
August 11, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What do you think is really going on here? Drop your thoughts below 👇 #therogginreport #coachella #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
During the 2025-2026 school year, PEN America reported there were nearly 12,000 book bans in public schools nationwide, the largest number of book bans in a single year since the group started tracking numbers in 2021.
Delta Airlines overhauled its frequent flyer program in 2024. CNN’s Randi Kaye asks Delta CEO Ed Bastian if the airline has made it more difficult for flyers to earn status and if any further changes to the loyalty program are on the horizon.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Favorite Festival?
‘The Hayden’ is back @babysmarche !! John Hayden himself took a trip to the Indian Wells staple for lunch and to chat with @chefjustinsnyder on how it became the most popular item on the menu! #TheHayden
🛑A bike ride ended in tragedy Monday night in Palm Springs. A bicyclist died after being struck by a car around 8:30 PM on E. Palm Canyon Dr. The driver stayed at the scene and police say there’s no indication of foul play or impairment. ❓Saw the crash or have video from the area? Call Palm Springs police at (760) 327–1441.
Social Time: Jerry sings the end! 🎶🎵
CALIFORNIA IS AGING FAST... BUT WHERE WILL THE WORKFORCE LIVE? #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #agingpopulation #nbcpalmsprings
119 jobs on the line and DRD’s General Manager won’t answer questions … Drop a comment 👇: Would you vote YES or NO on giving a district more money if they refuse to answer transparency questions? #therogginreport #drd #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings