Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jun 10
MetLife Stadium Installs Natural Grass for 8 World Cup Matches as Final Nears on July 19
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jun 10

MetLife Stadium Installs Natural Grass for 8 World Cup Matches as Final Nears on July 19

3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jun 10

Summary

  • MetLife Stadium has finished its World Cup overhaul ahead of Saturday's Brazil-Morocco match, with the venue set to host eight games including the July 19 final.
  • A natural grass pitch was the central change, replacing the usual artificial surface to meet FIFA rules aimed at reducing lower-body injuries.
  • Six years of planning went into the temporary field, and FIFA staff are taking daily moisture, firmness and ball-roll readings to keep conditions consistent for visiting teams.
  • The upgrade extends beyond the pitch to reworked dressing rooms, hospitality areas and new concession options, reflecting what MetLife's CEO said is a logistical effort roughly 100-fold bigger than past events.

Insights

After a 'World Cup of grass science,' why will stadiums revert to the artificial turf 92% of NFL players call unsafe?
With FIFA projecting a record $11 billion profit, will host cities see an economic boom or just the bill?
Can a World Cup hosted across three nations truly be sustainable, or are environmental pledges just for show?