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Ford Field Being Prepared For Elite Soccer Play

DETROIT (WWJ) - The North American version of the World Cup will play out this Tuesday night at Ford Field, and maintenance crews are making sure the grass really is greener for the big game.

WWJ's Kathryn Larson reports that thousands of pieces of the expensive grass are knitted together with elaborate machines, for one night, as the soccer elite - including Landon Donovan - compete in the USA vs. Canada Gold cup game.

Ford Field's Bob Gardner is the Senior Director of Facility Management and is the man behind this "soddy" operation. "It's going to be really green," said Gardner.

Gardner said placing some of the inch and a quarter Kentucky Blue Grass on top of the artificial turf wasn't easy.

"We've looked at, of course, humidity levels, which in temperature, we had a good learning curve when we had the 'Frozen Four' in here and had ice hockey," said Gardner.

Gardner explained that this is the first time they've pulled off the feat and says the players cleats will love the feel.

"The players accept it and find it relatively fine for what they do, it's a win-win," said Gardner.

You can see the grass for yourself at the big USA vs. Canada Gold Cup Game, this Tuesday night - after that the grass will be so beaten up - it'll be turned into compost.

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