Why did designing the World Cup pitches take eight years?
Summary
NPR’s Shortwave explores the complex turfgrass science behind the 2026 World Cup pitches with University of Tennessee professor John Sorokin. He details innovations like LED grow lights for indoor stadiums and hybrid synthetic fibers that stabilize natural grass. The episode explains how these technologies ensure field uniformity, rapid drainage, and player safety across diverse climates. Sorokin also discusses how this research benefits local community parks and future sporting events.
Topics discussed
Intro: The science behind World Cup pitches
Sponsors: Workday, Schwab
John Sorokin's accidental career in turfgrass science
Indoor stadiums and LED grow lights
Hybrid reinforced grass and drainage systems
Why pitch quality matters for the game
Player safety, traction, and testing machines
Growing sod in Denver for hot climates
Ensuring uniformity across different grass types
Legacy: Shallow pitches and community parks
Outro and sponsors
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