The World Cup has been underway for a little over two weeks, but the research that went into building 16 fields nationwide for the Cup’s 104 matches dates back half a decade.
Between the 16 fields and 150 practice fields, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association was facing a challenge—what was the best way to convert stadiums not designed for soccer into temporary soccer fields? It was Alan Ferguson, senior pitch management manager for FIFA, who pitched John Sorochan, a University of Tennessee at Knoxville researcher, on his idea: Sorochan and researchers at both UT Knoxville and his alma mater, Michigan State University, would use their extensive knowledge of turfgrass to study exactly that.
Over five years and hundreds of experiments, the team worked to ensure every field was up to FIFA standards. Now, that work is being watched on the world stage, highlighting the role of university research not only in spheres like health care and technology, but also sports and entertainment.
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