Why Gillette Stadium Turf Had To Be Replaced Days Before Patriots Preseason Opener

CBS Boston

Updated on: August 11, 2026

As the New England Patriots prepare for their first preseason game later this week, crews at Gillette Stadium are once again replacing the playing surface.

WBZ SkyEye video captured rolls of turf inside the stadium's tunnels Monday as crews worked to replace the field for the second time since the World Cup. The latest artificial turf was removed after it failed to pass an independent laboratory test required by the NFL.

ESPN Patriots reporter Mike Reiss tells WBZ the Patriots installed an artificial turf field to replace the natural grass installed for the World Cup, and initial testing by both the NFL and Major League Soccer showed positive results.

Crews work to replace artificial turf at Gillette Stadium on Aug. 10, 2026/CBS Boston

Recently removed rolls of artificial turf at Gillette Stadium/CBS Boston

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