Seattle's Lumen Field offered the USWNT a crucial preview of the playing surface for the upcoming World Cup, featuring newly installed hybrid grass. The women’s team has avoided the venue since 2017 due to its previous artificial turf. Coach Emma Hayes emphasized securing grass surfaces, a right cemented for the players in their 2022 collective bargaining agreement.

Over 35,000 tickets sold for Tuesday’s friendly against Japan, setting a new attendance record for a standalone women's match in Seattle. This figure narrowly surpasses the nearly 34,130 fans who watched Megan Rapinoe’s final match with the Reign last year. FIFA mandates similar grass specifications for all eight World Cup venues across the US and Canada, forcing temporary changes at venues like Lumen.

Installing the pitch involved laying down a drainage system and a foot of sand before the sod was placed, a temporary measure that will be removed post-tournament. Local clubs, including MLS' Sounders and NWSL's Reign, have been displaced during this construction. The Sounders will next compete on the new surface when they host Tigres on Wednesday for the Concacaf Champions Cup.