Preparation for the Super Bowl
In preparation for the Super Bowl scheduled for February 8 at Levi’s Stadium, Nick Pappas, the NFL’s expert on field maintenance, embarked on an extensive process over a year ago. His selection of the sod farm, located two hours east of the stadium, was completed around 16 months prior to the game, further solidified by his previous success in sourcing from the same farm for Super Bowl 58 in Las Vegas two years prior. This same farm also supplies turf for the San Francisco 49ers, ensuring familiarity with the specific requirements for high-stakes events.
Installation and Maintenance
As the installation phase kicked off on January 6, shortly after the conclusion of the 49ers’ regular season, Pappas’s team quickly removed the old field. This swift timeline was crucial, especially with the potential for the 49ers to host an NFC title game shortly thereafter, which they ultimately did not have to prepare for due to playoff outcomes elsewhere.
The focus initially centered on establishing the best possible conditions for the new turf, which included aerating the soil, applying top dressing, precise mowing, and utilizing fertilizers along with grow lights to encourage robust growth. The dry weather throughout January simplified the maintenance process, allowing for tighter control over watering schedules. Pappas’s team took extra precautions to ensure that the grass received ample sunlight—enhanced by the use of pink LED lights—during the day.
Testing and Final Touches
To guarantee safety and optimal performance of the Super Bowl field, rigorous testing protocols were utilized. The BEAST, a sophisticated biomechanical testing device, simulates player movements to assess traction, while the STRIKE measures the firm consistency of the turf. These evaluations occur at multiple locations across the field to ensure uniform performance, crucial since a poor field caused controversy during a prior Super Bowl.
With the matchup set, final touches such as painting yard markers and team logos are anticipated this week, overseen by veteran field painter Brian Johnson, who has been enhancing Super Bowl fields for three decades.
Collaboration for Excellence
As the final preparations near completion, Pappas emphasizes the collective effort involved in creating a flawless playing surface, essential not just for the game, but also for the accompanying entertainment events that define Super Bowl Sunday.
“Everyone’s goal is to deliver perfection,”
he remarks, highlighting the collaboration of various teams striving for excellence on the most-watched day in American sports.
