The potential application of shock pads in natural turf systems temporarily converted for stadiums

Engineering of Sport 15 - Proceedings from the 15th International Conference on the Engineering of Sport (ISEA 2024)

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature sixteen North American stadiums—eight must be converted from artificial to natural turf systems and include a hybrid-stabilizing component. For these stadiums, a temporary, shallow-profile turf system must be developed that meets FIFA natural turf specifications for an ‘Excellent’ quality pitch (EQP). Surface hardness is a commonly measured parameter to assess pitch quality and can be attenuated or enhanced by altering the components within the turfgrass system. Shock pads are commonly used beneath artificial grass surfaces to replace or compliment topdressed infill, improving surface energy absorption playing characteristics. Due to their ability to attenuate surface characteristics of artificial playing surfaces, they may also have application below temporary, natural turf systems maintained over a hard, impermeable surface. The use of shock pads below a natural turf system has not been extensively investigated. In this research, shock pads were assessed for their ability to attenuate surface hardness of a natural turf system managed over concrete.