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

- Link: https://exclusiveaccess.net/inside-att-stadiums-massive-fifa-world-cup-transformation/
- Published: 2026-05-15T08:35:18-04:00
- Author: David Saldívar

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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.