INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
interference with the turf , in which the field management team will use a machine that simulates a cleat to take around to different areas and measure turf strength , and moisture sensors to maintain ideal levels for safety .
Measuring and adjusting moisture and hardness levels is important not only during the off-season , but between non-sporting events that take place on fields and greatly impact such levels . For example , a concert — or , in the case of the “ Big Game ,” preevent and halftime performances and practices — can alter these levels and require quick work and adjustments to ensure the turfgrass is in prime condition . Other elements that can directly impact these levels or cause quick action for adjustment and maintenance are weather conditions . Ward describes the additional challenges of staying in front of Florida pests and fungus due to high moisture and humidity levels , but because Raymond James Stadium is an open stadium , the turfgrass does not face some of the same shade issues or air quality issues of other locations .
Preparing for the 2021 game at Ward ’ s home stadium is far from his first experience . In fact , he has been helping with turfgrass management for other “ Big Games ” since 1991 , as part of an elite team of 24 to 28 groundskeepers that travel to the locations to help with the fields . Ward describes preparing to host the “ Big Game ” as , “ different from other events because of the magnitude of the game and a lot more people , cameras and other details , such as
landscaping around Raymond James Stadium to consider ; but our approach always puts player safety first and we have similar preparations regardless of the event .”
So , what is it like to prepare for the event ? According to Ward , you must first consider the weather and stadium condition factors , which vary greatly by location . “ We ’ ve had ‘ Big Games ’ in New York where we had to heat the field , or those in Miami where we had to worry about sunlight and root issues ,” he said . “ For the most part , the type of building , the weather and the city itself really differentiate each game .”
In addition to the field itself , Ward explained that the team must create NFL-standard artificial and grass fields for the teams to practice on . His group works directly with each team to sort out all of the details to help make the field feel like a “ home field ” for both teams , including specific design elements that must be perfected .
According to Ward , whether you ’ re preparing for your local team ’ s upcoming season opener or one of the largest stadiums in the nation for the “ Big Game ,” it ’ s important to encourage root growth , grooming and manicuring the fields to be in the best possible shape ahead of game time . Soil testing and regular agronomic maintenance are key to preventing issues . SFM
Steve Harris , CGCS , is manager , golf and sports turf national accounts at Site- One , which offers fertilizers , fungicides , growth regulators , pesticides and more . Site- One has a partnership with Raymond James Stadium for its turf management product needs . For more information , visit www . SiteOne . com .
34 SportsField Management | July 2021 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com