Photo: Jared Brosnan/WBZ NewsRadio
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — After two decades of turf, Gillette is using a true grass field for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Crews were hard at work maintaining the new grass field at Foxborough’s Gillette Stadium. The change comes as the arena preps to host several games throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The home of the New England Patriots has been turf since 2006. Field Superintendent Ryan Bjorn said this modification will be different from past events.
“Since the field switched from natural to artificial in 2006, they’ve had plenty of international soccer games where they’ve come in and just laid the sod on top of the artificial turf,” said Bjorn. “This is the first time we’ve completely rebuilt the entire profile to be a natural grass field.”
From learning the metric system for FIFA-required measurements to ensuring a smooth, flat field for players to enjoy, Bjorn said it’s a big change from dealing with turf.
“[The grass] is a natural living organism. With the artificial turf, it is important to keep it safe and playable, but the natural grass process is much more meticulous,” said Bjorn. “Our staff is mowing by hand, we paint by hand, there’s not a lot of heavy equipment that comes out here.”
The field has already been tested out, hosting games for the New England Revolution, Boston Legacy FC, and an international friendly between France and Brazil on Thursday. Feedback from players was positive, something Bjorn is very happy to hear.
“I’ve heard some of the players said it played pretty well, and that’s the ultimate goal for us, is to make sure the players are comfortable and happy with the surface,” said Bjorn.
While he does have worries about unpredictable New England weather, Bjorn said right now all his attention is on the field.
“Right now, we’re really just focused on making sure that this field is as strong as it can be for the upcoming games and for the World Cup.”
WBZ NewsRadio’s Jared Brosnan (@JaredBrosnanWBZ) reports.