Mon Mar 17 05:10:00 UTC 2025: ## SoFi Stadium Unveils Revolutionary Hybrid Grass Field Ahead of World Cup 2026

**LOS ANGELES** – SoFi Stadium is set to debut a groundbreaking hybrid grass field technology next week, serving as a crucial test run for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The innovative field, a blend of natural grass and artificial turf, will be showcased during the Concacaf Nations League semifinals and final, featuring matches between the USA and Panama, Mexico and Canada.

The new system, described by SoFi Stadium’s senior vice president of facilities and campus operations Otto Benedict as a “permavoid” system, involves multiple layers including a permeable cloth, sand, and the hybrid grass built atop the existing artificial turf. This allows for improved aeration and drainage, addressing concerns about field quality raised after last year’s Copa América. Players and coaches criticized the condition of the fields used in several NFL stadiums that will also host World Cup games.

“We’re truly the first doing this,” Benedict stated. The system allows stadium staff to actively control the field’s moisture and oxygen levels, ensuring optimal playing conditions. The hybrid design offers increased strength and stability, preventing the tearing and patching issues common with traditional grass fields. Even former USMNT star Cobi Jones noted the field’s seamless appearance, stating, “It just looks like grass to me.”

The stadium is taking a comprehensive approach to testing the new system. A significant area of hybrid grass is being grown in a separate location to assess the impact of sunlight versus artificial LED grow lights used inside the stadium. Maintaining the field requires a substantially larger staff – over 30 people – compared to the artificial turf used for NFL games.

Following the Concacaf Nations League and a USWNT match against Brazil on April 5th, the field will be removed to accommodate other stadium events. Reinstallation is planned for next April in preparation for SoFi Stadium’s eight World Cup matches, including the USMNT’s opening game on June 12th. This extensive testing phase aims to ensure a world-class playing surface for the highly anticipated tournament.

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