Inside Teddy Stadium’s living pitch

How hybrid turf, root-zone sensors and movable grow lights support Teddy Stadium’s football pitch after Jerusalem’s September 2026 upgrade announcement.

TheStateOfIsrael.com
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Cross-section of a football pitch with living grass, roots and synthetic reinforcing fibers labeled.
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A sensor beneath the grass connected to labels for soil moisture, temperature and salt levels.
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A movable grow-light rig shining down onto a patch of grass.
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On 17 September 2026, Jerusalem Municipality announced that its Ariel company had completed upgrades to the playing surface at Teddy Stadium. The work combined natural grass and synthetic fibers, wireless sensors in the root zone, and movable lighting and heating equipment.

The sensors measure soil moisture, temperature and salt levels to inform watering and fertilization. The lighting equipment lets groundskeepers control light and heat separately; special warming sheets were also added for the colder months.

The stated aim is to support grass recovery and help the pitch cope with heavy use. The announcement did not include measured results from a season of play. These original diagrams explain the mechanisms and do not depict an exact equipment model.

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Two materials in one football pitch

INSIDE TEDDY STADIUM Two materials. One football pitch. Real grass Synthetic fibers Jerusalem’s hybrid pitch blends both materials to help it withstand heavy use.

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Sensors beneath the grass

BELOW THE SURFACE Sensors check the root zone. Soil moisture Temperature Salt levels Wireless readings help groundskeepers decide when to water and fertilize.

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Light and warmth for shaded turf

LIGHT AND WARMTH Light for shaded grass. Grow lights Movable units let staff control light and heat separately to support grass growth.

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