An increase in minor injuries such as scrapes, bruises, and hip pointers has been reported ever since artificial surfaces began to spring up in the NFL and major league baseball. There has also been a jump in major injuries such as career ending knee injuries and dislocated shoulders. When players come down on a piece of blacktop covered with an inch thick piece of synthetic turf, it's a hard landing. Many retired athletes claim they could have prolonged their careers if they had played exclusively on natural grass. As a result, most of the new stadiums built the past decade have opted for real grass.
Most fans prefer seeing a game on natural turf.
Technology and new techniques for groundskeepers have resulted in advances when it comes to real grass absorbing rain and holding up under heavy use. It's not very often that you see the old fashioned mud baths at the 50 yard line anymore. Oregon's superlative grass seed has been recognized by the world's largest nation. China will be holding what is known as the Urban Games in 2003 just south of Beijing. The national sports competition will bring the country's best athletes together for a a variety of olympic-type events.