MetLife Stadium, home to the New York Giants and Jets, has been deemed the worst stadium in the NFL, according to a recent player poll conducted by The Athletic. The survey revealed that a significant 18.4% of players selected MetLife Stadium as the bottom-of-the-barrel venue.

The stadium's turf surfaces emerged as a major concern among players, with many criticizing its poor quality and pointing to the high number of injuries sustained on it over the years. The debate between artificial turf and real grass has been ongoing in the NFL, as studies have shown that the former increases the likelihood of player injuries.

In response to the complaints, the Giants and Jets installed a new turf this year. However, the player poll suggests that this improvement did not sway the majority of players, who still view the stadium's turf as subpar. Giants owner John Mara expressed his aspirations for the future, hoping to transition to a grass field that can withstand the demands of multiple teams and events hosted at the stadium.

The issue of player safety on the field gained further attention after several season-ending injuries, including Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard's torn ACL, occurred at MetLife Stadium. The poll results indicate that players are strongly advocating for changes to be implemented before the 2023 season to address these concerns.

Beyond the turf problem, the fan experience at the $1.6 billion stadium has also come under scrutiny. The Jets have made efforts to enhance fan engagement by introducing elements like fireworks and LED bracelets, while the Giants have taken a more conservative approach. However, despite such attempts, MetLife Stadium fails to deliver the "wow factor" offered by newer venues like SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

With the poll highlighting the discontent among players and the lackluster fan experience, it remains to be seen how the respective teams and stadium management will respond to address their concerns. The focus now shifts to finding innovative solutions that can elevate MetLife Stadium's reputation and ensure player safety while providing an unforgettable experience for the loyal fans who fill its seats.