After a rocky start, the 49ers have finally gotten the playing surface Jed York hoped.
The Athletic released it’s NFL player survey early last month. One of the questions posed to players was, “Which stadium has the best field surface in the NFL?” More players voted for the San Francisco 49ers’ home stadium, Levi’s Stadium, than any other. 10 of the 94 players chose the Niners, 10.6% of respondents. Arrowhead Stadium and SoFi Stadium were tied for second, receiving 9 votes each (9.6% of respondents).
It’s a credit to the franchise that they have built one of the best playing surfaces in the league. Longtime fans may remember the surface was a source of consistent problems and frustration for players shortly after Levi’s Stadium opened. No one would have blamed owner Jed York if he had opted to give up on a natural grass playing surface, and simply install artificial turf.
Of course, players have become increasingly vocal about their frustrations with artificial turf playing surfaces, which have consistently been associated with higher rates of injuries. The Niners, in particular, have been hit quite hard by season-ending injuries on artificial turf during head coach Kyle Shanahan’s tenure.
Now the 49ers not only have a healthier playing surface for players, but, according to this year’s player poll, the best one in the league.