If you live in Raleigh you have likely either been to or considered maybe attending a North Carolina State University football game. The NC State Wolfpack play in Carter Finley Stadium near the fairgrounds and PNC Arena. On game days the stadium is surrounded by elaborate tailgate setups. Inside the stadium is a football field that seems to always be in incredible shape. Many fans are curious what kind of grass is used for the field at Carter Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC.
What Kind of Grass is planted at the NC State Football Stadium?
The grass at Carter Finley Stadium is always extremely green and uniform on game day. Many compare the quality of the grass at NC State to a golf fairway. It’s not far off. The grass at Carter Finley Stadium is cut so low, it looks like it could very well be a fairway at a golf course. This leads many fans and visitors to ask the question: “what species of grass is used at Carter Finley Stadium?
The turf crew for North Carolina State University utilizes Tifway 419 Bermuda Grass for most athletic fields. Tifway 419 Bermuda Grass offers a deep green color and a fine texture that is conducive to being cut low. The fine texture provides a smooth and uniform looking playing surface that is predictable and prevents injury to athletes.
Grass vs. Artificial Turf Football Field in Carter Finley Stadium
Some people who watch NC State football games wonder if the grass at Carter Finley Stadium is real. The grass is so well maintained at the beginning of the season that it appears as though it could be turf instead of grass. Many have raised the question “is the grass at Carter Finley Stadium real?” The answer is yes. NC State maintains a live grass field at Carter Finley Stadium.
There is a lot of controversy in football as many football teams transition away from natural grass and towards artificial turf. Some players and coaches have expressed concern about artificial turf specifically regarding to injury. Some claim that artificial turf football fields increase the likelihood of devastating injuries such similar to what Odell Beckham Junior Suffered in the Super Bowl. These injuries are far less likely to occur on a grass football field.
Many players from around the NFL have voiced their displeasure toward playing on artificial grass.
"Turf should be banned." — Deebo Samuel
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) February 14, 2022
After Odell Beckham Jr.’s injury in Super Bowl, Nick Bosa, and others speak out against turf fields. https://t.co/9PNWjEyUZ5
Luckily North Carolina State University has a team that is dedicated to providing a live grass playing surface for student athletes to enjoy.
How Do They Keep The Grass at Carter Finley Stadium So Green?
Much like the lawn at your home, the grass at Carter Finley Stadium requires a lot of hard work to look as good as it does on game day. The turf grass management team goes the extra mile to ensure that the grass looks its best. This is done through consistent and thorough use of pesticides, fertilizer, and other products that protect the grass as well as provide it with the nutrients it needs to thrive.
Comment below to share your thoughts on the grass at Carter Finley Stadium.