Turfgrass Archives

John Sorochan, Rhys Fielder and Taylor Williams walk into the FIFA Building, an indoor turfgrass research facility, at the East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center.

Turfgrass Research Making Headlines Around the World

June 11, 2026

Media outlets across the globe turn their attention to UT’s turfgrass research for FIFA World Cup 26.

John Sorochan, UT Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science and Management; Alan Ferguson, FIFA senior pitch management manager; UT Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman; Kaj Heyral, FIFA26 director of infrastructure and technical services; and Christian Stiegler, FIFA head of stadium and infrastructure management, pose during the 2026 Pitch Management Research Field Day at the Knoxville Convention Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, on Feb. 25, 2026.

FIFA Returns to UT for Final Pitch Management Research Field Day Ahead of World Cup 26

March 3, 2026

Turfgrass specialists, sod farmers, stadium managers and other professionals gathered to discuss final preparations including data-driven decisions around pitch testing,…

Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science John Sorochan

Today Show Visits Rocky Top

June 11, 2025

The FIFA World Cup 26 pitch management team launched a five-year research and development project with UT and Michigan State…

Attendees participate in a demonstration with the fLEX Device during the FIFA Field Day and Club World Cup Workshop at Regal Soccer Stadium on the University of Tennessee campus on April 17, 2025.

UT Hosts Third FIFA Pitch Research Field Day

April 18, 2025

Researchers and leaders from UT, Michigan State University and FIFA gathered to review progress toward creating the optimal natural grass…

John Sorochan, Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science and Management, receives a personalized pennant from FIFA President Gianni Infantino in appreciation for his leadership of the research program that will support the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and FIFA World Cup 26.

FIFA President Visits UT, Hails Groundbreaking Turf Research for Upcoming World Cups

February 12, 2025

Infantino praised the efforts led by industry-leading expert John Sorochan, Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science and Management in UT’s Herbert…

UT, FIFA, MSU team, from left to right: David White, Keith Carver, Brian Horgan, John Sorochan, John "Trey" Rogers (back), Ewen Hodge, guest (back), John Stier, Kaj NAME, Hongwei Xin, Matt Daum.

UT, MSU, FIFA Convene for Second FIFA Pitch Research Field Day

October 10, 2024

UT researchers and leadership met with FIFA officials to review progress toward developing the perfect natural grass pitches for the…

From left to right: Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President of the UT Institute of Agriculture Keith Carver; FIFA26 Chief Tournament Officer Manolo Zubiria; University of Tennessee System President Randy Boyd; University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Chancellor Donde Plowman; Michigan State University Interim Provost Thomas Jeitschko; FIFA Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi; UT Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science and Management John Sorochan; and Michigan State University Professor of Turfgrass Research John “Trey” Rogers.

UT Leads Research Project to Create the Perfect Pitches for FIFA World Cup 2026

May 3, 2024

The FIFA World Cup Tournament 26™ poses unique challenges for the delivery of uniform and consistent natural grass pitches.