This was the one-of-a-kind, permavoid grass-growing system of SoFi’s 2026 World Cup Test Pitch. And Thursday morning, as media and organizers gathered on the lush, emerald blades, I couldn’t help but feel a buzz. And some curiosity. And even a little reflective.
Last year I wrote an article criticizing my Copa America experience at SoFi Stadium. I don’t regret the article – it was true to my experience. My walk into the stadium was lackluster. The crowd was muted. My view of the corner flag was obstructed. And the ticket prices were expensive.
But most of that, it appears, wasn’t down to SoFi. And at Thursday’s pitch unveiling, organizers gave Angelenos every reason to believe the World Cup is going to be different. Starting with the fan experience.