For the turfgrass experts at Michigan State, the stage doesn't get much bigger than this.
The big picture: A team from Michigan State's renowned turfgrass management program has spent about four years developing playing surfaces for the 2026 World Cup in North America, the Detroit News reports.
Catch up quick: FIFA picked 11 cities in the U.S. (Detroit didn't make the cut), two in Canada and three in Mexico to host World Cup games.
MSU, in partnership with researchers at the University of Tennessee, was selected to provide the World Cup's playing surfaces.
The challenge is growing turfgrass that can withstand soccer games played in various climates.
Zoom in: The turfgrass Michigan State developed is a mixture of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass that can be grown in sand on plastic.
What they're saying: MSU turfgrass research professor John "Trey" Rogers III said the project is a great experience for students.
Rogers also worked on grass used at the Pontiac Silverdome for the 1994 World Cup.
"I think all of them will remember this for the rest of their lives. I know that '94 burns in my mind, even every day," he told NPR.
