Mark Davis: 'Football Should Be Played on Grass'

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Mark Davis: 'Football Should Be Played on Grass'

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Jul 9, 2026 8:20 PM ET

Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis has often been the target of criticism throughout his tenure. But one issue has consistently separated him from many of his NFL counterparts: player safety.

As the debate over natural grass versus artificial turf continues across the league, Davis reaffirmed why Allegiant Stadium features a retractable natural grass field, even though it came with a significantly higher price tag. For Davis, the investment has always been about protecting the players.

Speaking with the Los Angeles Times, Davis explained why he insisted on installing a natural grass surface when Allegiant Stadium was built.

“I just always felt that football should be played on grass,” Davis said. “That’s for safety purposes, No. 1.”

Unlike many NFL stadiums that use synthetic turf year-round, Allegiant Stadium features a movable natural grass tray that slides outside the stadium to receive sunlight before being rolled back inside for Raiders games.

The innovative system added millions to the cost of construction but was viewed by Davis as a worthwhile investment.

Raiders owner Mark Davis is committed to grass, for safety purposes. (Which means that the league will be telling him to please pipe down in the next CBA negotiations.) https://t.co/BZpq6Gc5Cm

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) July 9, 2026

More Than Just Player Safety

Davis also admitted he appreciates the traditional look and feel that comes with playing on real grass.

“I want it to look like a game was played even if it’s an indoor field,” Davis said. “You see grass stains and everything else.”

To Davis, football simply looks and feels more authentic when it’s played on a natural surface.

Investing in the Players

The decision to install a retractable grass field wasn’t the least expensive option. Artificial turf would have reduced maintenance costs and simplified stadium operations, but Davis chose otherwise.

“I wasn’t going to a stadium without it being grass once I knew that capability was there,” Davis said. “Obviously, it added a lot of cost, but it’s worth it.”

That philosophy reflects Davis’ willingness to prioritize player health over financial savings.

Turf Debate Continues Around the NFL

The discussion surrounding playing surfaces has intensified in recent years as players continue to voice concerns about injuries suffered on artificial turf. The issue has become even more prominent with several NFL stadiums. Temporarily converting to natural grass to meet FIFA requirements for World Cup matches.

Many players have questioned why stadiums can install grass for international soccer while continuing to host NFL games on synthetic surfaces.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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