The work continues at a major stadium in Los Angeles, where Advanced Sports Group is consulting on the natural turf field remediation ahead of the 2026 World Cup. As we move closer to the arrival of the sod, the focus remains entirely on the foundation. A world class pitch
requires a world class base, and our team is executing the final, critical steps to ensure the surface is ready.

In this latest update from the field, VP of Special Projects, Pete Fox, walks us through the meticulous processes of nail dragging and rolling, and shares a glimpse of a special Media Day event held right on the stadium floor.
The Science of the Sand Base: Nail Dragging and Rolling
Before a single blade of grass is laid, the sand base must be perfectly prepared. This is not just about making it flat; it is about creating the optimal environment for the natural turf to root, grow, and perform under the intense demands of international competition.
Nail Dragging for Nutrient Integration
One of the key steps in this preparation is a process known as “nail dragging.” As Pete Fox explains from the seat of the equipment, “We are nail dragging fertilizer in right now.” A nail drag is a specialized piece of equipment, essentially a heavy frame fitted with metal spikes, pulled behind a tractor. As it moves across the field, it lightly churns the top layer of the sand base. This action serves a dual purpose: it breaks up any surface tension and, more importantly, it thoroughly mixes the applied fertilizer into the sand. This ensures that the nutrients are evenly distributed exactly where the new roots will need them most.
Rolling for a Tight, Laser Graded Finish

Once the fertilizer is incorporated, the surface must be compacted and smoothed again. This is where the roller comes in. “One of the last steps in the process is, after we nail drag it, we want to get the roller back on it,” Pete notes. “The roller lays it back down tight. And then we will laser grade it one last time after rolling.”
The visual difference between the two stages is striking. The nail dragged sand appears textured and loose, while the rolled sand is smooth, firm, and ready for the final laser grading pass. This sequence of dragging, rolling, and laser grading guarantees that the subgrade is not only nutrient rich but also perfectly planar, meeting the strict tolerances required for World Cup play.
Media Day: Recognizing the Crew and Announcing the Grass
While the technical work continues, the stadium also hosted a significant milestone event. A Media Day was held on the field to officially announce the upcoming installation of the natural grass. “Media day for everybody here at the venue to look at the field, announce that the grass is coming,” Pete reported from the sidelines.

The event brought together media representatives, project stakeholders, and, most importantly, the construction crews who have been working tirelessly to prepare the site. It was a moment to pause and acknowledge the immense effort required to transform the stadium floor.
“They have all of the crew members here to be recognized for their efforts,” Pete added. “It is a really nice event going on here.” Seeing the team, in their blue hard hats and high visibility vests, standing alongside the other dedicated professionals on the project was a proud moment. It is a reminder that behind every great sports facility is a team of skilled field builders committed to quality.
The Final Countdown to Sod
With the sand base dialed in, the fertilizer incorporated, and the surface rolled tight, the stage is set. The next major phase will be the arrival and installation of the natural turf itself. From the meticulous dirt work to the precision laser grading, every step has been building toward this moment. We look forward to sharing the transformation as the stadium floor finally turns green.
Stay tuned for the next update from Los Angeles. To get caught up on all of the phases of this project, check them out here: link to our blog.
Advanced Sports Group is a premier sports construction firm specializing in both natural and synthetic turf installations. From community parks to the world stage, we are field builders committed to building quality.

 

Reach out to the team at Advanced Sports Group today to discuss your next project.