Field Tech : Live at MetLife Stadium Showcases Innovation in Sports Surfaces

We hosted Field Tech: Live at MetLife Stadium on 13 May as part of our ongoing event series focused on innovation and performance in sports surfaces.

The day brought together a broad mix of industry expertise, including John Sorochan (University of Tennessee), Trey Rogers (Michigan State University), Robert Heggie (BMO Field), Chris Franks (SCG Fields) and Kieran O’Donnell (Sports Labs USA), alongside SIS Pitches Executive Chairman George Mullan and Sales Director Alan Thomson. We were also joined by representatives from FIFA, contributing to discussions on the standards and expectations shaping elite-level playing surfaces.

A key focus of the day was the continued development of hybrid grass systems and their role in meeting the demands of modern elite sport.

Attendees took part in a full programme of technical presentations and live demonstrations, including a hybrid installation showcase, which was being installed ahead of the World Cup Final. This gave a practical, first-hand view of the machinery and processes involved in delivering and maintaining high-performance playing surfaces for major global competitions.

The panel discussion was a central part of the event, with strong engagement throughout the 50 minute slot. Conversations focused on how insights from major tournaments are shaping expectations around field performance, as well as the growing use of data and testing to better understand surface behaviour. The discussion reinforced the importance of consistency, durability and player experience across all levels of the game.

Strengthening Industry Collaboration

Throughout the day, there was a clear focus on collaboration and knowledge sharing across the industry, with open discussion and exchange of ideas between speakers and attendees.

We thank all attendees for coming along and contributing to a successful day. If you didn’t manage to attend at San Francisco or New Jersey, please keep an eye out for upcoming Field Tech : Live events across North America.