KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — FIFA President Gianni Infantino has praised the groundbreaking efforts at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s innovative turf research and development facility during a visit that highlighted the university’s pivotal role in preparing the best possible pitches for both the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and FIFA World Cup 26. Led by Distinguished Professor John Sorochan, UT’s team has been tasked with ensuring consistent turf quality across various climates and stadium types.
AstroTurf, a leading synthetic turf provider, has collaborated with UT researchers for years to analyze data on variables such as player-surface interaction, ball roll and natural turfgrass performance. AstroTurf has supported the independent third party research both fiscally and with resources. That research has helped guide innovations in the company’s product designs, from collegiate fields to professional stadiums worldwide. The contributions have also significantly advanced our understanding of natural grass sports turf systems.
“This partnership with UT goes beyond short-term initiatives; it’s a continuous cycle of research, testing and application,” said AstroTurf Vice President for Business Development, Rob Mitchell. “By tapping into data that UT shares with industry stakeholders, we can fine-tune our synthetic turf systems to mirror optimal natural grass performance while maintaining safety and durability standards.”
Sorochan’s research facility, part of the UT Institute of Agriculture’s East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center, provides extensive lab and field data used not only by AstroTurf but by other turf managers and sports organizations across the country. The program’s findings are regularly referenced in industry publications and turf management guidelines, bolstering UT’s reputation as a global leader in sports surface science.
“We’ve benefited from the consistent and evidence-based approach UT brings to surface science,” the AstroTurf’s Mitchell added. “It allows us to deliver a playing experience that meets the evolving needs of athletes, teams and tournaments—from high school championships to the world’s biggest soccer stages.”
FIFA’s five-year collaboration with UT and Michigan State University underscores the increased focus on consistent pitch quality at international competitions. With AstroTurf and other industry players utilizing UT’s research, experts say the ripple effect will extend well beyond the 2025 and 2026 events, shaping sports surfaces for years to come.
For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.
About AstroTurf® Corporation
AstroTurf® Corporation is the original inventor and innovator of synthetic sports surfacing, leading the industry for 60 years. Known for pioneering surfacing solutions, AstroTurf® Corporation delivers cutting-edge products focused on performance, safety, and sustainability.
The company’s portfolio includes AstroTurf® fields, the trusted name in synthetic turf; Rekortan® tracks, the benchmark for elite running surfaces; Laykold® courts, the premier choice for tennis and multi-sport court play; and SYNLawn®, the industry leader in residential and commercial landscaping solutions. These products are the original brands in their respective categories and set the standard for quality and innovation in sports and recreational surfacing.
AstroTurf® is dedicated to creating world-class sports and recreational environments that inspire athletes and elevate communities. For more information, visit www.astroturf.com.
About Sport Group
Sport Group is a leading designer, manufacturer and installer of artificial surfaces serving the global sports flooring, leisure and landscaping and industrial markets to over 70 countries globally. Headquartered in Burgheim, Germany, the company’s brand portfolio includes AstroTurf® (the iconic brand that invented the industry), Polytan®, SYNLawn®, LigaTurf®, Poligras®, Rekortan®, and Laykold®. Sport Group is an industry leader in green technologies, pioneering sustainable products and services such as the world’s first carbon neutral soccer turf, the world’s first carbon zero field hockey turf and development of the industry’s first, and only, turf recycling facility capable of recycling EPDM rubber. The company has approximately 2,400 employees and operates nine vertically integrated manufacturing facilities and 31 distribution centers across the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions. For additional information about Sport Group, please visit www.sportgroup-holding.com.