Since the 1960s, MSU has been a leader in turfgrass development, having created the indoor grass for Detroit's Pontiac Silverdome during the 1994 World Cup soccer tournament.

For the second time, Michigan State University's Turfgrass Management Team, led by John N. "Trey" Rogers III, Ph.D., will partner with FIFA to grow, install and maintain the playing surfaces for the FIFA World Cup.

Partnering with University of Tennessee Turfgrass Science and Management, led by MSU alumni John Sorochan, Ph.D., MSU faculty and students have spent the past four years growing sod, testing techniques and implementing strategies to prepare 16 different host sites for the 2026 World Cup.

News

Highlights from Turfgrass Field Day 2023

Published on July 28, 2023
MSU Turf spreads the word about developing better grass for big events – and more
Will my turf recover from recent flooding?

Published on April 10, 2023
Recent rainfall events caused flooding on golf courses, lawns and other turf areas. Depending on how long the turf was submerged and whether soil deposition occurred will determine whether turf survives.
Suspected annual bluegrass weevil on golf course in Michigan

Published on June 13, 2022
Suspected annual bluegrass weevil has been initially identified on a golf course in southeast Michigan. This is a significant pest for golf course turf, especially annual bluegrass, and if confirmed will be the first occurrence in Michigan.
MSU AgBioResearch, Extension to host in-person 2022 field days

Published on May 27, 2022
From June to September, MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension researchers and outreach specialists will be presenting at field days across the state, covering topics from hops and wheat to dairy and regenerative agriculture.
Lawn turf update – May 11, 2022

Published on May 11, 2022
Lawns have been slow growing this spring with the unusually cold and wet conditions, but the recent warmup has lawns and weeds springing to life.