NFL Turf Guru Preps Levi's Stadium Field for Super Bowl 2026

Meticulous process ensures the field meets elite, game-day standards for the country's most-watched sporting event.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 2:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Nick Pappas, the NFL's turf guru, has been overseeing the preparation of the field at Levi's Stadium for Super Bowl 2026 for over a year. The process involves carefully selecting the sod farm, monitoring the grass growth, and a month-long installation and preparation period to ensure the field is in optimal condition for the big game and all the pregame and halftime festivities.

Why it matters

The Super Bowl field is the most valuable real estate in sports, with intense scrutiny on its condition. After issues with the field in the 2023 Super Bowl, the NFL is taking extra precautions to ensure the playing surface at Levi's Stadium meets the highest safety and performance standards for the players, while also accommodating the various entertainment elements of the event.

The details

Pappas began the process 16 months ago by selecting the sod farm that would grow the turf for the Super Bowl field. He has closely monitored the grass's progress, testing samples to ensure quality and appearance. The actual installation of the new field took place over a month-long period in early January, with the grounds crew aerating, top dressing, mowing, and using fertilizer, grow lights, and water to get the field in optimal condition. The field also undergoes extensive testing using the BEAST and STRIKE tools to measure traction and firmness to ensure player safety.

  • Pappas picked the sod farm to grow the field about 16 months ago.
  • The field installation process began on January 6, 2026, three days after the 49ers' regular season finale.
  • The new field was put down on January 8, 2026.
  • Most of the first two weeks in January were focused on getting the field in its best shape after installation.
  • The final touches, including painting the yard lines, logos, and end zone team logos, will happen this week once the Super Bowl matchup is set.

The players

Nick Pappas

The NFL's turf guru who is overseeing the preparation of the Super Bowl field at Levi's Stadium.

Philipe Aldahir

The head of research and innovation for Biocore, the company that provides the BEAST and STRIKE tools used to test the field's traction and firmness.

Brian Johnson

The seasoned veteran in charge of painting the field, including 'The Shield' logo, for the Super Bowl.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I always joke with everyone, it's the most expensive real estate there is, everyone wants a piece of it.”

— Nick Pappas (nbcchicago.com)

“We test the field spatially and determine that the end zones are playing like the center field and they're playing like the wings of the field. That's one dimension. The other one is over time. This field is fresh and it's new and as activity takes place between now and the game, we want to ensure a similar level of traction from day one to the game.”

— Philipe Aldahir, Head of Research and Innovation, Biocore (nbcchicago.com)

“Painting 'The Shield' is his baby.”

— Nick Pappas (nbcchicago.com)

What’s next

The field will undergo final testing and preparations this week once the Super Bowl matchup is set, with the halftime show rehearsals and other entertainment elements beginning on the field.

The takeaway

The meticulous process of preparing the Super Bowl field at Levi's Stadium highlights the NFL's commitment to player safety and delivering a flawless experience for the biggest sporting event of the year, with the field serving as the centerpiece for the game and all the surrounding festivities.