Expert Team Prepares Grass for World Cup Stadiums Across North America

As the World Cup kicks off next week, a dedicated team led by turfgrass expert John Trey Rogers has spent six years preparing the grass pitches for the tournament's 16 venues in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. This extensive project, which began in late 2020, addresses the unique challenges posed by varying climates and stadium types, including eight venues that typically use artificial turf. The grass selection process involves using three species tailored to each location's conditions, with special care for domed stadiums that require climate-controlled environments. The preparation also includes growing sod in Colorado, which is then transported to the venues. This meticulous effort aims to ensure optimal playing conditions and avoid past complaints about turf quality during major tournaments.

Key Details: • World Cup starts June 11, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches. • Grass pitches must meet professional-grade standards across 16 venues. • Sod for Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta stadiums grown in Colorado. • Each pitch covers 82,000 square feet; approximately 9 acres of grass grown for quality assurance. • Irrigation and artificial grow lights will support indoor stadium grass during the tournament.