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

Fall armyworm egg masses hatching now could bring new turf damage soon

Published on September 24, 2021
A fall armyworm outbreak is now causing damage to lawns, golf courses and other turfgrass in some places in Michigan.
MSU turf students expand skills through spring internships

Published on April 20, 2021
Despite COVID-19 constraints, students receive in-person experience during the spring 2021 semester at golf courses around the country while taking online classes.
Starting a grasses and sedges garden

Published on January 25, 2021
An alternative to turf lawns for the home gardener.
MSU hosts virtual turfgrass field day

Published on September 3, 2020
MSU Extension and MSU AgBioResearch hosted a virtual turfgrass field day Wednesday, Sept. 23. The event was split into two sessions, focusing on lawn care and athletic fields, then golf turf.
Enviroweather adds an additional station at North Central Michigan College

Published on July 15, 2020
The new station will serve commercial and community agriculture and provide hands-on education in Emmett County.