Patriots forced to replace ‘noncompliant’ turf field days before preseason opener

Source: New York Post

The artificial turf the Patriots laid down at Gillette Stadium after the removal of the grass surface used for the World Cup has been deemed “noncompliant” and has forced the team to install a new field just days before they’re set to host a preseason game. New England’s COO Jim Nolan told ESPN that NFL and players union lab testing protocols resulted in the noncompliance, despite passing field tests by the NFL and MLS; the New England Revolution also play at the stadium. World Cup host stadiums that normally have turf surfaces had to install grass for World Cup games.