Ohio bill would ban artificial turf from pro sports stadiums [Video]

CINCINNATI (WXIX) – Ohio state reps. are planning to introduce new legislation to ban artificial turf from pro sports stadiums.

Ohio Rep. Rodney Creech and Terrence Upchurch are scheduled to hold a press conference on July 30 with the NFL Player’s Association to introduce House Bill 605, which requires professional stadiums to have natural grass.

Great American Ball Park and TQL Stadium have natural grass, but Hamilton County just installed FieldTurf at Paycor Stadium during the offseason for $1 million.

According to the NFLPA, a study showed players suffered more noncontact injuries on artificial turf than on natural grass during the 2022 season.

Dr. Tim Kremcheck, who has regularly treated pro players for the Bengals, Cincinnati Reds and FC Cincinnati, said players prefer playing on natural grass.

“It’s been difficult over the years to keep natural grass,” Kremcheck said. “It’s expensive. There’s a lot of artificial grass companies now that …