SoFi Stadium with new natural turf concept
The SoFi Stadium is currently installing a fully integrated and irrigated natural grass field for the first time in preparation for the CONCACAF Nations League Finals. Until now, soccer fields were rolled out over the existing artificial turf for matches.
Located in Inglewood, California, the SoFi Stadium has a capacity of around 70,000 spectators and is the home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL. For the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League Finals, a fully integrated and irrigated natural grass surface is being installed for the first time.
What’s new is that instead of simply rolling out a temporary field over the artificial turf, a professional grass pitch with a sand base and irrigation system is being used. The first matches on the new surface will be the semifinals between the USA and Panama, as well as Canada and Mexico, on March 20. Three days later, the third-place match and the final will take place. The grass will remain in the stadium until April 5, when the US women's national team faces Brazil, after which it will be removed.
This project serves as a test run for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Stadium officials did not comment on the costs but emphasized the high quality of the turf. The completed pitch will be officially presented next week. (stadiaworld, 07.03.2025)
