INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

By Steve Harris , CGCS

Getting that idyllic , lush green field is as much about preparation as it is daily management . Choosing the right products is key , but the real difference is in the details — from new technology and equipment to pest control , fertilizer and combination products , specialty chemicals and adjuvants , precision turfgrass management techniques , and weather profile considerations .

When it comes to something as elite as a professional game or the largest national spectacle sport that exists today — the “ Big Game ” — the stakes are even higher . For insight into preparing for the football season , we spoke to someone who knows firsthand what goes into getting fields ready for the camera spotlight , Wayne Ward . As Turf and Grounds Manager at Raymond James Stadium ( Tampa , Fla .), Ward is no stranger to the high demands and proper care necessary to create and maintain a beautiful field space ; and his experience in the industry spreads far beyond his current role and 29 years of experience with Tampa Sports Authority .

For Ward , turf management is much more than a job . His passion for agriculture and experience with his own family farm in south Georgia growing peanuts , corn and cotton , combined with his commitment to always putting player safety first , has earned him an impressive career and a plethora of experience within the turf and sports field management industries . Day and night , he is always

focused on continuous improvement and proper management to prepare the beautiful and safe fields for each team that steps foot on them .

“ Because the ultimate goal is to have that pool table-like field , I sometimes even wake up in the middle of the night thinking about something I didn ’ t do or may have missed ,” said Ward .

When it comes to developing those championship field conditions , it all starts with a good base , which means good roots and high-quality sod .

“ In the event world , we are only growing grass for up to a year , so I ’ m looking for instant results , which is a different approach than a field you were growing in long-term ,” said Ward . “ So , we have to rush the process a bit without sacrificing the quality of the grass .”

Ensuring the soil has proper nutrients to help it survive and thrive , and then additional preparation ,

Photos provided by Wayne Ward and the Tampa Sports Authority

constant regulating and testing , and adjusting to stay on top of what the plant needs to avoid problems before they arise is key .

Player safety has always been Ward ’ s highest priority , and , again , it ’ s all about the details . Factors like the turf ’ s exact hardness or softness rates can directly impact player injury , as certain levels make it more or less likely that a player will experience injuries , such as a concussion , during game play . To ensure the field meets the highest safety standards , Ward and his team are constantly measuring surface hardness to evaluate and make adjustments as necessary . Because turfgrass surfaces are not uniform , continuous testing and monitoring is performed at various points around the field to ensure all surfaces are not only ideal for game play , but are also as safe as possible . Another example is cleat

32 SportsField Management | July 2021 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com