INTERNATIONAL SOCCER
Atlanta Stadium
USA
ATLANTA STADIUM Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA Opened: 2017 Capacity: 75,000 Roof: Retractable dome Turfgrass: Kentucky bluegrass, hybrid reinforced fibers Sod Origin: Green Valley Sod, Colorado
UT researchers devised a temporary build to cover the stadium’ s usual synthetic turf. Aluminum flooring covers the turf and serves as the base for a drainage layer of gravel, an irrigation system, and 20 centimeters of sand. A refrigerated truck transported the sod in rolls that were stitched together inside the stadium. This domed venue will be used for a large number of matches, so grow lights are necessary to keep the turfgrass healthy for a longer period of time.
Boston Stadium
BOSTON STADIUM Location: Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA Opened: 2002 Capacity: 65,000 Roof: Open air Turfgrass: Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass blend, hybrid reinforced fibers Sod Origin: Tuckahoe Turf Farms, New Jersey
Originally a natural turfgrass stadium, Gillette Stadium changed to synthetic turf in 2006 but returned to natural turfgrass for FIFA World Cup 26. The synthetic turf was stripped down to the original layer of sand, which is the foundation for the hybrid-reinforced natural grass. Grow lights are on hand as a backup due to shade patterns made by spectator stands.
Dallas Stadium
DALLAS STADIUM Location: Arlington, Texas, USA Opened: 2009 Capacity: 94,000 Roof: Retractable Turfgrass: Kentucky bluegrass, hybrid reinforced fibers Sod Origin: Green Valley Sod, Colorado
The existing artificial turf was stripped down to the concrete floor to prepare for the installation of natural grass in the stadium. A layer of gravel helps with drainage, and 20 centimeters of sand form the base for the hybrid reinforced sod. Unlike most tournament venues, Dallas Stadium’ s grow lights hang from the ceiling instead of being rolled out onto the pitch on rigs.
44 SportsField Management | January 2026 sportsfieldmanagementonline. com