Recognizes use of turfgrass for 2026 FIFA World Cup.

AR139

ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION No. 139

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

222nd LEGISLATURE

�

INTRODUCED MAY 14, 2026

Sponsored by:

Assemblywoman� ANDREA KATZ

District 8 (Atlantic and Burlington)

SYNOPSIS

���� Recognizes use of turfgrass for 2026 FIFA World Cup.

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

���� As introduced.

��

An Assembly
Resolution
recognizing the use of turfgrass
for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Whereas,

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey will host eight matches of the
2026 F�d�ration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup, including
the Grand Finale round; and

Whereas,

In 2025, MetLife Stadium changed its artificial turf with turfgrass in
preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup; and

Whereas,

There are approximately 10,000 species of grass in the world, and at least 12
of them are considered turfgrass; and

Whereas,

Turfgrass contains narrow-leaved plants that can provide a uniform cover,
tolerate low mowing, and traffic; and

Whereas,

Turfgrass provides a number of environmental benefits, including air
purification by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, temperature
cooling by evapotranspiration, stormwater control by slowing runoff and
allowing water to soak into soil reducing flooding and erosion, soil
stabilization by holding soil in place preventing erosion and dust, and
pollution filtration by trapping dust, smoke particles, and pollutants; and

Whereas,

Turfgrass provides a number of health and lifestyle benefits as turfgrass is a
safer surface as natural grass provides cushioning lowering injury risk during
sports and recreation, increases mental well-being by providing green spaces
which are linked to reduce stress and improved moods, and, in some cases,
reduce allergies by reducing airborne dust and pollen compared to bare soil;
and

Whereas,

Turfgrass provides a number of ecological benefits by supporting habitats for
insects and microorganisms, enabling biodiversity, storing carbon thereby
offsetting greenhouse gases, and recharge groundwater by allowing rainwater to
permeate under the turf to replenish aquifers; and

Whereas,

Turfgrass offers a number of practical and aesthetic benefits by improving
visual appeal and property value and providing for a durable lawn that can
withstand regular foot traffic and self-repair regrowing and healing damage; and

Whereas,

Turfgrass supports the following professions including field managers,
landscape contractors, golf course superintendents, sod managers,
groundskeepers, and researchers in the fields of plant breeding, pathology,
entomology, weed science, environmental science, natural resource management,
and soil science; and

Whereas,

It is altogether fitting and proper to recognize the significant benefits of
turfgrass and applaud MetLife Stadium�s decision to implement it for the 2026
FIFA World Cup; now, therefore,

����
Be It
Resolved
by the General Assembly of the State
of New Jersey:

���� 1.��� This House recognizes
the beneficial uses of turfgrass and applauds MetLife�s decision to use it for
the 2026 F�d�ration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup.

���� 2.��� Copies of this
resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the
Clerk of the General Assembly to the President of MetLife Stadium and to the
President of FIFA.

STATEMENT

���� This resolution recognizes the
beneficial uses of turfgrass and applauds MetLife�s decision to use it for the
2026 F�d�ration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup.

���� MetLife Stadium will host
eight games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, includes the Grand Finale game.�
Metlife Stadium in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup games changed its
artificial turf with turfgrass in 2025.� Turfgrass includes narrow-leaved
plants that can provide a uniform cover, tolerate low mowing, and traffic.�
Turfgrass has a wide variety of benefits including but not limited to:
environmental benefits by purifying air, cooling temperatures, helping to
control stormwater, helping to stabilize soil, and filtering pollution; health
and lifestyle benefits as a safer surface, improving the mental well-being of
people, and reducing allergies in some cases; ecological benefits by helping
support habitats, storing carbon, and recharging groundwater; and practical and
aesthetic benefits by being visual appealing, durable, and self-repairing. �Turfgrass
also supports the following professions including field managers, landscape
contractors, golf course superintendents, sod managers, groundskeepers, and
researchers in the fields of plant breeding, pathology, entomology, weed
science, environmental science, natural resource management, and soil science.