Vikings switching to safer turf version in 2024

Field Level Media|published: 12/21/2023, 11:25am EST

Aug 19, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; A general view of U.S. Bank Stadium before the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Tennessee Titans. credits: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings are switching to a safer version of artificial turf next season.

U.S. Bank Stadium currently is one of three NFL facilities that still uses slit-film turf, which has the highest rate of lower-extremity, non-contact injuries among the various artificial surfaces used around the league.

The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, owner and operator of the Minneapolis stadium, approved a $1.3 million bid for the project on Thursday.

Installation of a monofilament version called Act Global Xtreme Turf DX will begin in February. The Vikings will install the same turf at their practice facility.

Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce both sustained non-contact lower-extremity injuries at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 5.

The Cincinnati Bengals' Paycor Stadium and the Indianapolis Colts' Lucas Oil Stadium also have slit-film turf, although the Colts have announced plans to change the surface in 2024.

—Field Level Media