Last Updated on October 20, 2022 by UDC Sports
If you know anything about football or soccer, you know that they are two very different games. But what about the actual fields they’re played on?
If you’re planning on building a field for either sport, you know that either way, it’s going to take a lot of work. But there are a few key things to keep in mind that apply to building a football field vs. building a soccer field.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the things that are easy to overlook in the early planning stages, but can make a big difference:
Field Size
When planning where to construct a new field, the most obvious difference between soccer field and football field construction is the size or “footprint” of the field—and the design of the sports facility as a whole.
Contrary to popular belief, soccer fields are typically much larger than football fields. While the size of a football field is commonly used as a comparison for anything huge, in terms of area soccer fields are actually nearly twice (!) the size of a football field.
The dimensions of a regulation soccer field are 136 x 93 yards, while the dimensions of an NFL regulation football field are 120 x 53 yards.
The larger size of the soccer field is interesting since the number of players on the field at once is the same for both soccer and football (11 players on each team). This means that there is a lot more space for each player to move around on a soccer field vs a football field.
Why Soccer Stadiums Are Usually Larger Than Football Fields
Why are some soccer stadiums such massive sports construction projects?
Well, the larger the stadium, the more fans it can accommodate—and the more revenue it can generate!
That said, any football fan knows there are plenty of massive football stadiums out there as well. The Rose Bowl is best known as a football stadium, but it’s notable for hosting some major soccer events as well (including the 1994 Men’s and Womens’ FIFA World Cup Finals)—making this “football stadium” also the third largest soccer stadium in the world by capacity!
If you’re planning to construct a huge stadium-sized facility to accommodate tons of fans, the difference between the size of the fields may be less relevant. The facility might even be able to serve both sports if needed.
However, if you’re looking to build a smaller soccer field or football field (i.e. a sports field for a school, park, or recreational facility), then the size of the field in each sport should be something you take into account when you’re planning ahead of the construction.
Playing Surface
Both soccer and football fields need to be level and have a grass or artificial turf playing surface. One difference here is that football fields typically have repeating lines painted on them (for the different yard markers, end zones, etc.), while soccer fields do not. Instead, soccer fields often have distinct markings (circles, arcs, etc.) to indicate different areas on the field.
Football fields are commonly made of artificial turf, while soccer field turf may be natural grass, artificial turf, or a hybrid of the two. The type of surface can affect the game play, as well as how the field needs to be maintained.
For example, natural grass fields require more maintenance than artificial turf fields, and may need to be replaced more often.
Compared to grass, artificial turf fields can be used more frequently with less damage and with more freedom following bad weather, and require significantly less maintenance overall.
Lighting Systems
Another key design/construction consideration that applies to both football fields and soccer fields is lighting. Night games are common for both sports, so adequate lighting is a must.
The type of lighting needed can vary depending on the level of play. For example, high school football fields and soccer fields may need more basic lighting systems, while professional-level fields may need more powerful and sophisticated lighting systems.
Guest Accommodations
In terms of the surrounding area, both types of fields typically have some kind of seating area for spectators. Soccer fields may have more extensive seating areas along the perimeter, simply because the perimeter itself is larger, but this isn’t always the case. Both types of fields typically have concession stands and restrooms to accommodate fans and spectators as well.
See: 9 Ways to Make Your Sports Facility Stand Out
Parking areas may also be adjacent to the field, though this isn’t always the case—especially for smaller fields. Existing parking areas at schools or parks may be used instead. Public garages or other parking structures may also be nearby, depending on the location. Larger fields and stadiums that are built specifically for either football or soccer will typically have their own dedicated parking structures.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are some differences (and a surprising number of similarities) between soccer field and football field construction. The most obvious difference is the size of the field, though other factors like lighting and seating accommodations can also vary depending on the project.
Ultimately, though, both types of fields need to be level, have a grass or artificial turf playing surface, be equipped with adequate lighting to accommodate night games, and of course, have sufficient spectator seating and restrooms nearby.
(See? Gridiron and association football aren’t so different after all.)
The construction of a sports field, stadium, or arena can vary depending on the sport that will be played there, but there are some commonalities between them as well. Whether you’re building a soccer field or a football field, the construction process is sure to be a challenging, but rewarding one.
UDC Sports is an experienced, full-service sports facility construction, design, and consulting firm. We can manage every aspect of your project, from start to finish, so you can focus on what’s important—the game.
To learn more about our services, or to get started on your project today, contact us at info@udcsports.com or 828-518-5787, or click here to send us an email about your project.
