The Netherlands’ flagship soccer stadium, the Johan Cruijff Arena, uses 15 sensors embedded in its field to monitor the soil quality, temperature, and moisture of the turf. Now the Royal Dutch Football Association—the KNVB—is investigating whether to expand the high-tech turf management protocol to other pro clubs in the country.
Several other tool supplement the data gleaned from the underground sensors, including a 24-hour webcam, weather stations placed both in the rafters and at field level, and sensors measuring ventilation, humidity, and temperature at the height of the retractable roof.