USWNT Returns to Lumen Field: A Milestone in Grass Field Installation and Equal Playing Conditions
The grass at Lumen Field in Seattle, where the USWNT will play Japan, is a hybrid of real grass and artificial fibers. The women's team has not played at Lumen since 2017 due to the artificial turf. The collective bargaining agreement in 2022 ensured equal pay and playing conditions for the women's team, including playing on suitable grass fields. U.S. coach Emma Hayes expressed the importance of bringing the national team back to the Pacific Northwest, with a record attendance of over 35,000 tickets sold for the game.
FIFA has strict requirements for the fields of play at the World Cup, so all stadiums used for this summer's tournament in Canada, the United States, and Mexico must have similar grass fields. While eight World Cup stadiums have artificial turf, Seattle's Lumen Field underwent the installation of real grass last month. A drainage system and sand base were laid down before the sod was installed. The grass and underlying structure will be removed after the World Cup.
In conclusion, the USWNT's return to Lumen Field with the newly installed hybrid grass marks a significant step towards equitable playing conditions for the women's team. The record attendance for the game highlights the enthusiasm and support for women's soccer in the Pacific Northwest. The efforts to meet FIFA's requirements for grass fields at the World Cup demonstrate the commitment to providing top-quality playing surfaces for the tournament.