US farm grows grass for World Cup stadiums
A Colorado-based farm in the United States has been selected to supply playing surfaces for multiple stadiums hosting matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup across North America.
The company, Green Valley Turf, located near Denver, Colorado, will grow and deliver natural playing grass for venues in Atlanta, Dallas and Houston.
Preparations are already underway, with harvesting in progress for shipments headed to Houston’s NRG Stadium, one of the tournament venues expected to receive upgraded pitches ahead of kickoff.
The turf being cultivated is a carefully managed blend of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial rye, chosen for its durability, recovery rate and ability to perform in controlled indoor environments.
Once harvested, the grass is cut, rolled and transported in refrigerated trucks to preserve freshness before installation at stadium sites.
Explaining the logistics behind the unusual supply chain, Green Valley Turf owner Joe Wilkins III said, “It seems a little strange that the grass is coming all the way from Colorado, but those buildings will be climate controlled at 70 degrees throughout the whole tournament, so they needed a cool season grass which thrives in our environment that’s near impossible to grow closer to where the venues are,“ Green Valley Turf owner Joe Wilkins III said.
According to the company, completing the full field installation at Houston’s NRG Stadium will require about two dozen truckloads of turf, highlighting the scale of preparation involved in delivering World Cup-standard playing surfaces.
The project is part of broader pitch preparation efforts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Modern stadium requirements, especially climate-controlled venues, have increased demand for specialized turf grown under precise agricultural conditions.
Green Valley Turf, a long-established supplier to professional sports, is also known for providing high-quality playing surfaces for major league teams and international football competitions, further reinforcing its role in elite-level pitch production ahead of the global tournament.
Among the key venues receiving the shipment is NRG Stadium, where installation work will be carried out in phases as part of final stadium readiness preparations.
