{"id":331348,"date":"2026-06-10T23:29:09","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T23:29:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/331348\/"},"modified":"2026-06-10T23:29:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T23:29:09","slug":"dallas-stadium-tour-shows-how-ready-north-texas-venue-is-for-world-cup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/331348\/","title":{"rendered":"Dallas Stadium tour shows how ready North Texas venue is for World Cup"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"The<\/p>\n

The interior of Dallas Stadium is outfitted for the FIFA World Cup as seen during a media tour in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The stadium will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n

ARLINGTON \u2013 Metaphorically, the clock ticks more loudly by the hour, with a mounting blend of urgency and excitement.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

For the first time since 1994, the outer band of the monthlong World Cup<\/a> cyclone has arrived in North Texas, with preparations and anticipation building toward Sunday\u2019s first match here.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A grand opening news conference occurred Wednesday afternoon for the Dallas Host City Media Center at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.<\/p>\n

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And in Arlington, about 50 reporters received a preview tour as workers finalized the transformation of AT&T Stadium to \u201cDallas Stadium,\u201d <\/a>which will host a World Cup-most nine matches.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe venue here in Dallas has been so accommodating, so helpful in every way,\u201d said Ian Craig, FIFA\u2019s pitch venue manager for the matches here. \u201cThis is a fabulous stadium.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

For soccer novices, a brief explainer: Pitch is soccer\u2019s term for playing surface. Natural grass is a strict FIFA requirement for all 104 World Cup matches that will be played in 16 venues across the United States, Canada and Mexico.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This 23rd quadrennial World Cup, the most expansive in the event\u2019s history, officially begins Thursday with two matches in Mexico, starting with that host nation\u2019s 2 p.m. game against South Africa in Mexico City.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

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There will be two matches Friday, including the United States\u2019 Group D opener against Paraguay in Los Angeles<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

After four more matches on Saturday, North Texas finally gets into the tournament fray with Sunday\u2019s 3 p.m. Group F matchup between Netherlands and Japan.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

With a projected 3.8 million fans flocking to North Texas during the next month, early arrivals who want to get into the World Cup spirit before Sunday can attend Thursday\u2019s opening of the FIFA Fan Festival at the Pavilion at Fair Park.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

As for AT&T Stadium, aka Dallas Stadium to conform to FIFA\u2019s sponsor policies, the name and pitch changes were only part of the metamorphosis reporters saw Wednesday.\u00a0<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also Pepsi to Coke. Football to futbol. Dallas Cowboys signage to FIFA 2026 World Cup. At least one Cowboys fan shop still was in mid-transformation to a FIFA merchandise and apparel store.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Stadium general manager Tod Martin noted that most of the physical upgrades to the high-end hospitality areas and suites were part of the $300 million \u201crefreshen\u201d that the Cowboys commissioned before last season.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

One hospitality area, though, has been renamed the Trophy Lounge for World Cup. Another has temporarily changed from Legends Club to \u201cChampions.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Reporters also got glimpses of the transformed locker rooms, including Locker Room A, which will host world power Argentina and superstar Lionel Messi on June 22<\/a>, when they meet Austria in the first of Argentina\u2019s two matches here in five days.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Most reporters\u2019 focus Wednesday, though, was on the pitch and Martin\u2019s innovative rigging of the Grow Lights system to the stadium rafters. While all domed and roofed venues in this World Cup are using Grow Lights, the other systems have to be wheeled in and out by crews.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich makes our life a lot easier,\u201d said FIFA\u2019s Craig, who is working his third World Cup. \u201cIt cuts out a lot of work for us . . . Effectively, what we’re trying to do is create an environment indoors that can sustain the grass growth throughout this tournament.\u201d<\/p>\n

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From all appearances, at least visually because reporters weren\u2019t allowed to step on the turf, the system is working well. The Kentucky bluegrass and ryegrass pitch, grown in Colorado and shipped to North Texas in refrigerated trucks, was installed in mid-May.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Is it pitch-perfect for Sunday?<\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s where I want it to be at the moment,\u201d Craig said. \u201cAs a turf professional, I’m never fully satisfied. It can always be better.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Craig said the pitch probably would be mowed 10 or 11 more times before Sunday. To what height?\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u201cTwenty-two to twenty-five centimeters,\u201d Craig said.<\/p>\n

\"North<\/p>\n

North Texas FWC Organizing Committee co-chairs Nina Vaca (left), Dan Hunt (center) and Executive Director for the Dallas Sports Commission Monica Paul (third from right) deliver remarks during a press conference opening the Dallas Host City Media Center in Dallas, June 10, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"The<\/p>\n

The interior of Dallas Stadium is outfitted for the FIFA World Cup as seen during a media tour in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The stadium will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"The<\/p>\n

The interior of Dallas Stadium is outfitted for the FIFA World Cup as seen during a media tour in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The stadium will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"The<\/p>\n

The Japanese and Northlands flags are displayed on the video board during a FIFA World Cup media tour of Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The stadium will host the two teams Sunday and 8 other matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"The<\/p>\n

The Japanese and Northlands flags are displayed on the video board during a FIFA World Cup media tour of Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The stadium will host the two teams Sunday and 8 other matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"The<\/p>\n

The interior of Dallas Stadium is outfitted for the FIFA World Cup as seen during a media tour in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The stadium will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"ESPN<\/p>\n

ESPN Deportes reporter Carlos Nava (right) reports from one of the teams locker rooms during a FIFA World Cup media tour of Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The stadium will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"ESPN<\/p>\n

ESPN Deportes reporter Carlos Nava (right) reports from one of the teams locker rooms during a FIFA World Cup media tour of Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The stadium will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"The<\/p>\n

The exterior of Dallas Stadium is pictured during a media tour of Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 10, 2026. FIFA is ready for the World Cup and will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"The<\/p>\n

The interior of Dallas Stadium is outfitted for the FIFA World Cup as seen during a media tour in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The stadium will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"A<\/p>\n

A cameraman pass by the Japanese bench during a FIFA World Cup media tour of Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The stadium will host Japan and the Netherlands Sunday and 8 other matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"An<\/p>\n

An interior view of a soccer-themed luxury suite during a FIFA World Cup media tour of Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The stadium will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"An<\/p>\n

An interior view of a soccer-themed luxury suite during a FIFA World Cup media tour of Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The stadium will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"An<\/p>\n

An interior view of a soccer-themed luxury suite during a FIFA World Cup media tour of Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The stadium will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"An<\/p>\n

An interior view of a soccer-themed luxury suite during a FIFA World Cup media tour of Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The stadium will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"An<\/p>\n

An interior view of a soccer-themed luxury suite during a FIFA World Cup media tour of Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The stadium will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"A<\/p>\n

A view of the pitch from a lower luxury suite is seen during a FIFA World Cup media tour of Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The stadium will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"A<\/p>\n

A view of the pitch from a lower luxury suite is seen during a FIFA World Cup media tour of Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The stadium will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"An<\/p>\n

An interior view of a luxury club during a FIFA World Cup media tour of Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The stadium will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"An<\/p>\n

An interior view of the main concourse club during a FIFA World Cup media tour of Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The stadium will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"The<\/p>\n

The interior of Dallas Stadium is outfitted for the FIFA World Cup as seen during a media tour in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The stadium will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"The<\/p>\n

The interior of Dallas Stadium is outfitted for the FIFA World Cup as seen during a media tour in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl banners hang fro the rafters. The stadium will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"The<\/p>\n

The interior of Dallas Stadium is outfitted for the FIFA World Cup as seen during a media tour in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The stadium will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"An<\/p>\n

An interior view of the main concourse club during a FIFA World Cup media tour of Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The stadium will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Fried<\/p>\n

Fried Squash Blossom made with asadero cheese and pepita vinaigrette is prepared during a FIFA World Cup media tour of Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The dish will be served in premium areas of the stadium, which will host 9 matches, including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Culinary<\/p>\n

Culinary Director Marcelo Vasquez puts the finishing touches on soccer ball-topped deserts during a media tour of FIFA World Cup\u2019s Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The stadium will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"An<\/p>\n

An All Beef Texas Pie Dog is featured is one of the general concessions to be sold during the FIFA World Cup matches. The food was part of a media tour of Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The stadium will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Culinary<\/p>\n

Culinary Director Marcelo Vasquez puts the finishing touches on soccer ball-topped deserts as media members record the display of food. Media was given a tour of FIFA World Cup\u2019s Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 10, 2026. The stadium will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"The<\/p>\n

The exterior of Dallas Stadium is pictured during a media tour of Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 10, 2026. FIFA is ready for the World Cup and will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"The<\/p>\n

The exterior of Dallas Stadium is pictured during a media tour of Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 10, 2026. FIFA is ready for the World Cup and will host 9 matches including the semifinal in July.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The interior of Dallas Stadium is outfitted for the FIFA World Cup as seen during a media tour…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":331349,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[732,27,29,28,88346,87906],"class_list":["post-331348","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-texas","tag-article","tag-texas","tag-texas-headlines","tag-texas-news","tag-tp-att-stadium","tag-tp-world-cup"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/331348","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=331348"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/331348\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/331349"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=331348"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=331348"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=331348"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}