Inside AT&T Stadium’s Massive FIFA World Cup Transformation

AT&T Stadium is undergoing a dramatic transformation ahead of the FIFA World Cup, replacing its iconic Cowboys turf with a state-of-the-art natural grass pitch built specifically for international soccer.

The real grass field, grown in Colorado and installed in Arlington by Precision Turf, sits atop a newly engineered foundation featuring advanced irrigation, air circulation, and temperature-control systems designed to maintain world-class playing conditions. According to Senior Pitch Manager Ewen Hodge, the stadium has already hosted more than 40 test events to prepare the surface for tournament play.

Because AT&T Stadium is fully enclosed and receives no natural sunlight, suspended LED grow lights now provide the energy needed to keep the grass healthy. The lights run for up to 12 hours at a time and can be lifted out of the way during matches — a first-of-its-kind setup for a venue of this scale.

To meet FIFA regulations, the pitch has also been elevated roughly two feet above the original field and expanded on both ends. Additional renovations throughout the stadium include covering Cowboys branding and redesigning fan and club spaces to meet World Cup standards.

The project is part of FIFA’s multi-year research initiative focused on player safety and field consistency across varying climates and venues.

During the tournament, AT&T Stadium will temporarily be known as Dallas Stadium and is set to host nine World Cup matches — more than any other venue. The first match, featuring the Netherlands and Japan, is scheduled for June 14.