AT&T Stadium shows off grow lights for real grass at Copa America
ARLINGTON, Texas - AT&T Stadium is getting ready to welcome players on to the real grass they've been prepping for this weekend's matches.
Thousands of soccer fans will be in Arlington this weekend to watch Copa America games.
The stadium will host three games, including the U.S. Men's National Team game against Bolivia on Sunday.
RELATED: Copa America 2024: Your guide to team groups, schedules, and top players
One of the changes at the stadium is a swap from turf to real grass.
AT&T Stadium posted a video showing rows of grow lights to help the newly planted grass. Ground crews have been working for weeks to prep the playing surface.
The new grass is being tested on Friday when Peru takes on Chile.
Fans visiting for Friday’s game can’t wait for the international soccer clash.
"Since we were little, we got raised in soccer and all that comes with it," said Chile fan Elias Mundaca.
Some fans, like Chris Perez, made long road trips just for the chance to see their favorite teams in person.
"Most of my family is here. We’re about 10 people. We came down from Atlanta, Georgia," Perez said. "We drove here. About a 12-hour drive. It’s worth it!"
According to the analysts. Chile is favored to win over Peru.
Economically speaking, it’s a win for Arlington businesses.
How to watch Copa América 2024
Copa América 2024, featuring star players like Lionel Messi and Christian Pulisic, will be held across 14 U.S. cities from June 20 to July 14, promising thrilling matches and intense competition as teams from South America and CONCACAF battle for the title.
Stephen Cummings is managing director for the two Loews Hotels near the stadium. He says both of them are currently at full occupancy.
"They’ve been here all day. They started arriving here this morning. A lot of Chile fans. A lot of fans from Peru," he said.
Cummings says this weekend is a test run ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where the stadium will host 9 games.
"It gets the two hotels ready for what we expect to be really seven or eight Super Bowls in 2026," he said.
The Arlington stadium is one of several U.S. tournament venues hosting 16 national teams playing 32 matches.
Expect even more excitement in Arlington on Sunday when the U.S. Men’s National Team plays its first group-stage match against Bolivia. It will air on FOX 4 beginning at 5 p.m.
The men’s soccer tournament originated in South America and is now the third most watched in the world.
Copa America Games at AT&T Stadium
- Friday, June 21 - Peru vs. Chile
- Sunday, June 23 - USA vs. Bolivia
- Friday, July 5 - Quarterfinal Match