The American football field is a constant. Its size, markings and dimensions have gone unchanged for more than a century. In addition to the field, markings on the side of the field show where each team's benches are located and where personnel are supposed to stand.
Size of Field
American football fields are 120 yards long. That includes a 100-yard playing field and two 10-yard end zones. Football fields are 53.3 yards wide at all points. Goalposts on professional football fields are 10 feet high and 18 feet, 6 inches wide.
Field of Play Markings
All football fields are marked off in yards. Each yard is noted by a hash mark that is drawn horizontally to the width of the field. Long lines are drawn across the field every five yards. The specific yardage is painted on the field in 10-yard intervals. The 10-, 20-, 30- and 40-yard lines are painted on the field, as is the 50-yard line at midfield. The yardage numbers painted on the field are 6 feet high and 4 feet wide.
End Zone Markings
The end zone begins with the goal line and finishes with the end line. The end zone is normally painted a different color than the rest of the field and may include the home team's logo or city name. If a player's foot is touching the end line or sideline as he makes a catch in the end zone, he is considered out of play and the pass is considered incomplete.
Sidelines
All teams have a restraining area that are for players who not in action on the field. The restraining area usually runs from the 25-yard line to the opposite 25-yard line and is 12 feet away from the sidelines. Players are not supposed to leave this area when they are not playing because it keeps them from getting involved in arguments with officials and fights with opponents when the play crosses the sideline.
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