ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — As Atlanta prepares to host matches during the FIFA World Cup, organizers are focused on more than just the action on the field.
FIFA officials on Thursday highlighted new accessibility initiatives and details about the carefully managed natural grass pitch that will be used during the tournament.
The event coincided with Global Accessibility Awareness Day and focused on sensory inclusion and fan experience improvements planned for World Cup venues across North America.
For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, every host stadium will feature dedicated sensory-inclusive spaces through a partnership between FIFA, Hisense and KultureCity.
At Mercedes-Benz Stadium, officials unveiled a new mobile sensory room designed to support fans who may experience sensory overload during large sporting events. The space will provide a quieter environment for fans seeking relief from loud noises, bright lights and crowded conditions.
Organizers said the goal is to make the World Cup experience more welcoming and accessible for all attendees.
“I think we want to be able to bring this amazing game to everyone. The World Cup is about bringing people together and about being resilient and being inspired,” Bev Carey with FIFA said.
While accessibility improvements are underway throughout the stadium, FIFA officials are also closely monitoring the playing surface that will host World Cup matches.
According to FIFA pitch manager Stuart Wilson, crews recently completed installation of the natural grass field inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“The install of the sod took roughly four days to complete and the actual grass that we are using is Kentucky bluegrass mixed with perennial ryegrass,” Wilson said.
Wilson said maintaining the pitch requires constant attention leading up to the tournament. Grounds crews mow the field daily, monitor nutrients and gradually reduce the height of the grass to meet FIFA standards before matches begin.
“There is a lot of maintenance that will be carried out on the pitch,” Wilson said. “We are monitoring nutrients, it’s mowed every day and we are reducing the height of the cut very gently. So we are sitting at 27 millimeters at the moment but at the time of the games it will be down to 23 millimeters.”
The stadium also uses underground technology capable of pulling moisture out of the turf or pushing air into it to help maintain ideal playing conditions.
FIFA officials said the pitch will remain protected before the tournament begins, with no practices scheduled on the field prior to World Cup matches.
Atlanta is one of several host cities preparing for the FIFA World Cup as organizers continue final preparations for fans and players ahead of the global tournament.
Atlanta’s first match will be held June 15.
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