Eight years ago, engineering began to try to perfect the ‘perfect’ natural grass for FIFA World Cup soccer games.
Seattle’s Natural Turf From the East Side
Cannabis isn’t the only ‘grass’ being grown in WA state these days (snarky, yes!) While there are a few exeptions, FIFA, the governing body of World Cup Soccer, requires natural turf fields.
Grass is considered more forgiving than turf, although the latest advancements over the years make the artificial rugs a LOT softer, stable and safe.
Seattle’s Lumen Field Covered in Natural Grass Grown in Moses Lake
Researchers at Michigan State and the University of Tennessee created a more durable, ‘softer’ hybrid variety of grass, which has been implemented in the seven US Cities and Vancouver, British Columbia on their turf fields.
Lumen Field maintenance staff, who upkeep the field for all events, utilized a mixture of the new grass with synthetic turf, to create a more stable and durable surface that meets FIFA standards.
And, the Hybrid Turf was Grown on A Special Field in Moses Lake.
According to MyNorthwest.com:
“To create the World Cup playing surface, crews installed layers of material over the field’s artificial turf before planting a specially engineered hybrid grass surface grown in Moses Lake. The field combines natural grass with synthetic fibers designed to improve durability while maintaining the playability required for international competition.”
Advancements in irrigation and even ventilation, say staffers, also increase the viability of the surface. These types of fields are being utilized in the US and Canadian venues during this years tournament.
One more note…due to FIFA and broadcast World Cup Rights, Lumen will be “Seattle Stadium” until the tournament is over.
CHECK IT OUT: 100 sports records and the stories behind them