PROFILE

In this edition of The SportsField Management Interview , we meet Murray Cook , president of Brightview Sportsturf . With more than 40 years of professional sports field management , design and construction experience , he has gained a wealth of knowledge in the development of sport venues . He has consulted in more than 60 countries . Brightview Sportsturf is Major League Baseball ’ s Official Field Consultant .

SportsField Management ( SFM ): You and I corresponded multiple times during 2020 regarding your work with the Field of Dreams . Sports field managers are accustomed to adjusting to unforeseen challenges , but nobody could have foreseen what 2020 had in store . What has the past year been like for you ?

Cook : 2020 was challenging for everyone around the world — some more than others . Our hearts are heavy for all those who lost friends and family due to the virus . As you recall , we had almost completed the construction of the MLB field at the Field of Dreams movie site , and we were about a week out before the event was cancelled due to the pandemic . It was news no one wanted to hear , and all we could do was hope to play the game in 2021 . Over the years , our industry has been challenged in sports and had to overcome various types of adversity . Last year we focused on keeping people safe while maintaining our fields and working with our clients . We will continue to do the same this year .

SFM : What do you think will be the lasting impact of 2020 on the sports field management industry , and what can be learned from dealing with these unprecedented challenges ?

Cook : Everyone connected to the event industry worldwide was affected due to the numerous cancellations of games and concerts . However , I was really excited about how our industry quickly adapted to the changes that we were all up against during the difficult year . Many sports field managers were — and continue to be — under pressure to manage their fields with limited resources due to budget cuts , payroll reductions , etc . Sports field managers have always been resilient by nature , and I feel confident they will all be more prepared for future challenges after the past year .

SFM : Beyond COVID-19 and recovering from the year that has been , what are the other key issues facing the industry , and what is your advice for facing those issues ?

Cook : As we work our way back to a “ new normal ,” there will continue to be unforeseen challenges along the way . Planning for concerts , sports events , etc ., will probably have a different look . As you know , our sports field managers travel the world providing services , and many questions remain unanswered about working in other countries due to restrictions . An important step to a successful recovery is keeping all of our team members and families safe . As sports venues begin to ramp up in 2021 , communicating clearly and frequently with our crews and teams will be extremely important toward building confidence and awareness at our stadiums and sports fields .

SFM : You have served , and continue to serve , STMA during your career – including having served as STMA president .

26 SportsField Management | March 2021 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com