LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
Grass is being put in place as a major soccer match is getting closer to coming to Las Vegas.
The 2012 Herbalife World Challenge will feature Real Madrid taking on Santos Laguna on Aug. 5 at 8 p.m.
Some of the best in the world of soccer will be here, including Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid, and some of these best players demand the best playing surface, or "pitch" as it's called in soccer.
Sod was being laid Friday morning, with the process slated to be completed by Saturday. Then they will spend the time leading up to the game watering and mowing the field as it grows right on top of the artificial turf at Sam Boyd.
"These players have very specific requests and demands for the pitch and will even send an advance team ahead of the game to make sure it's up to their standards. We know it will be," said Barry Barto, who works with University of Nevada, Las Vegas on special projects.
Barto is also a former player and coach, and knows how important a level and safe field is for these world class players.
This is the first soccer game of its kind in Las Vegas, and it could be the first of many in the valley. Mike Newcomb is the executive director of Sam Boyd Stadium, and he says it's important for Las Vegans to show their support.
"The soccer world is watching, and we need to fill this stadium to prove to them we're ready for other major soccer events here, and maybe someday our own team," says Newcomb.
Tickets are still available for the match, with tickets ranging from $71 to $256. You can order them while they last at www.unlvtickets.com.
Copyright 2012 KVVU (KVVU Broadcasting Corporation). All rights reserved.
