Deion Sanders Explains Why Shifting From Natural Grass To Artificial Turf Was Necessary In Folsom Field

During this offseason, Colorado switched the Folsom Field surface from natural grass to artificial turf. The move came despite debates that artificial turf is often linked to more player injuries.

Many pro players and experts have voiced concerns about turf being harder on athletes’ bodies, especially over time. Still, Colorado went ahead with the change, fully aware of the controversy surrounding it.

Deion Sanders didn’t dodge the question either. He knows what people are saying, but he stands firm on the decision.

According to Prime, the switch wasn’t just for show or convenience, it was something they had to do. In his words, it was a necessary move for the program, plain and simple.

Deion Sanders Explains Turf Decision Clearly

What Deion told Michael Irvin during a casual stroll on the field summed up the whole move. Irvin asked Deion why the change was necessary. To this, Deion replied, “It’s slippery, man. Like in the night games, we hate night games, we practice early in the morning, we love day games, we excel in day games. So I wanted to, and our AD felt it was needed to change it into a turf so we have a better playing field, better playing surface. And they did it quickly.” 

In Deion’s eyes, turf meant better conditions, fewer interruptions, and a more consistent experience. As such, the change wasn’t optional. It was necessary.

Deion Sanders Wanted No More Frozen Games

Back in April, Deion Sanders laid out exactly why Colorado had to move on from natural grass. “We plan on making it to the playoffs,” Sanders said. “We don’t want to play on a frozen tundra.”

With Colorado’s cold climate and heavy winter snowfall, keeping natural grass in playable condition was becoming nearly impossible.

Folsom Field isn’t just a football venue either, it hosts all kinds of events year-round. “This university is a magnet for events,” Sanders said. “So when you’re having a lot of events and putting a lot of wear and tear on grass, that’s kind of tough.”

He also pointed out how evening games added another layer of problems. “When you have evening games, [there’s] a dew that gets on the field,” Sanders said. “It gets pretty slippery. . . We should have some type of advantage for that.” 

For him, turf wasn’t just a fix, but a necessary solution. “Going to turf just assures us a better footing, a better surface, and it takes a lot of pressure off our wonderful staff doing the grounds.”

To Sanders, this wasn’t just a field upgrade. It was about controlling the environment and gaining a competitive edge.

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