Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Estadio Akron Drains Pitch in 35 Minutes After Deluge as Club Cites FIFA Recognition

Stadium officials credit a forced-drainage network and a sand-based bermuda hybrid surface installed for 2026 compliance.

Overview

  • The upgraded system cleared roughly 150,000 cubic meters of stormwater in about 30–35 minutes, allowing Chivas vs. Tigres to proceed.
  • Chivas’ operations director says FIFA acknowledged the performance and indicated the venue is nearly ready for its World Cup hosting duties.
  • The field now meets FIFA Quality Pro standards, according to the club, which frames the project as a lasting World Cup legacy.
  • The forced-drainage design uses about 50–60 buried pipes tied to suction pumps and sensors that track water levels and enable partial reuse via subsurface irrigation.
  • A silica sand base and bermuda hybrid turf improved infiltration, firmness, and ball roll, though the reported $40 million investment underscores why such systems remain rare across Mexican stadia.