Problem of the Month: July 2021

Did you know that not all Major League Soccer stadiums have the same size field? Find out how big of a difference players can experience and explore geometry concepts taught in the ACES classroom with our July Problem of the Month!

July 2021 Problem of the Month
A regulation soccer field as defined by FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) is between 110 to 120 yards long, and 70 to 80 yards wide. Based on these guidelines, what is the largest possible area for a regulation soccer field? What is the smallest possible area?

Scroll down to see the solution — and to find out the field size at Minnesota United FC’s home stadium, Allianz Field!

A soccer field is in the shape of a rectangle. To calculate the area of rectangle, use the formula Area = length x width, or A=lw.

The greatest possible length of the field is 120 yards and the greatest possible width of the field is 80 yards. Using the Area formula above, we have Area = 120 yards x 80 yards = 9,600 square yards.

The smallest possible length of the field is 110 yards and the smallest possible width of the field is 70 yards. Again using sing the formula, we have Area = 110 yards x 70 yards = 7,700 square yards.

Therefore, the largest possible area of a regulation soccer field is 9,600 square yards. The smallest possible area of a regulation soccer field is 7,700 square yards.

Minnesota United FC (The Loons) play at Allianz Field, whose field has a length of 110 yards and a width of 70 yards!