Jerry Jones did not just create a football venue when he built AT&T Stadium, as he designed a massive entertainment hub capable of hosting events all year long. However, as the stadium undergoes extensive changes to satisfy FIFA standards for international soccer, the scale of the project has sparked a hot discussion.
[As noted by Mike Florio](https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/as-dallas-stadium-moves-mountains-to-install-grass-ceedee-lamb-wants-it-for-football), the FIFA conversion involves importing natural grass from Colorado, building advanced irrigation and ventilation systems beneath the surface, using pink grow lights indoors, and committing roughly 45,000 man-hours alongside 15,000 tons of materials.
The effort shows that even a domed stadium traditionally built around artificial turf can successfully accommodate elite-level natural grass when enough money is invested. That reality challenges the argument that converting such venues for grass is simply impossible.
NFL players have consistently pushed for grass fields instead of turf, pointing to concerns over joint stress, non-contact injuries, and long-term durability. Even CeeDee Lamb publicly voiced his support for grass by posting about it on Instagram.
However, the irony is stark to the players, as ownership is willing to move mountains and spend millions for a short-term stint of fewer than ten soccer matches, but will immediately revert back to the usual turf once the NFL season returns. The reluctance to permanently switch surfaces largely comes down to business.
AT&T Stadium generates enormous revenue by hosting concerts, college football games, and other entertainment throughout the year. Keeping natural grass installed year-round would create major logistical complications and increase maintenance expenses for a venue with such constant event turnover. Florio also said that owners like Jones are unlikely to commit to permanent grass fields unless future Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations force the issue.
Meanwhile, Jones understands the financial reality surrounding the [Cowboys](https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/nfl/dallas-cowboys). Fans will continue packing the stadium and will still watch stars like Dak Prescott and Lamb regardless of whether the field is grass or turf. So, there is little financial motivation for ownership to absorb the long-term costs tied to maintaining natural grass full-time.
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