HOW DOES FIELD CREW KEEPS STADIUM IN BEST CONDITION

 

I am sure you have enjoyed quite a lot of league matches, either live or on television but have you ever admired the great work of field crew members who spend days or even months to keep the field looking spotless and impeccable? Well, it is no easy take at all. Taking care of a field that will be used by a sports team requires expert knowledge and hard work. If you are planning to join a field-crew team then here are some of our expert tips for maintaining the areas to adapt to your local stadiums during the game season.

  • CLEANING 

It is well-pertinent to conceive that one must keep the field free from garbage and other discarded materials that would not only look disturbing but unflattering. The first and foremost thing would have volunteers work up to clean the field so that the crew can take care of the turf’s maintenance work. Additionally, make provisions for waste disposal and create awareness to not litter or around the field perimeter.

 

  • MOWING

Mowing and groundskeeping are synonymous with each other. The first technique that we should cover is mowing, which will enable you to keep the ground at optimum condition. The rule of ‘One-third’ has to be followed in this regard. Ideally, you should not remove more than one-third of the grass as it might hurt the plant. Therefore, adjust your mowing blade accordingly. The frequency at which the mowing must be conducted is twice or thrice a week during the goring season. 

To yield better efficiency, invest in a quality mower and an experienced groundskeeper with comprehensive knowledge and skill. One should always mow the turf when it is dry, as damp grasses tend to stick and clog the mower. Also, make sure that the blades are well sharpened to avoid blunting, cutting, or pulling the grassroots. Remember, pulling it off the roots will do more damage to the field than you can fathom. 

 

  • MOWING STRIPES 

I am quite sure that you all have seen the stripes on the field of baseball or football and wondered how that came to be. Well, it is due to the blade of the mowing machine that has been bent in a different direction to create such a magnificent effect. 

 

The places where the stripe looks lighter are formed by bending the blades away, while the opposite effect is achieved by angling the edges towards yourself. In this way, you can also create a checkerboard pattern. Most of the good Mowing machines use gas and that’s why our favorite product to store gas in this MidWest Can 5-gallon gasoline Fuel Container. 

Fueling up your Gas Mower and other equipment types is comfortable with the Midwest Can 5610 5 gallon Gasoline Can.

This gasoline container holds up to 5 gallons. It features the FlameShield Safety System for added protection. And with a Model 4240 Quick-Flow Spout, this gas can offer easy pouring.
  • RAKING THE FIELD 
It is incredibly vital to perform proper raking and dragging of the field to reduce grass lip formation on the infield edge. The thumb rule is to stay six inches away from the grass edge when you are dragging, as it will help you reduce the amount of infield material moving into the edges of the grasses. In this case, it will be better to employ a groundskeeper to use the proper tool instead of motorized devices. 
  • FERTILIZER
  The use of fertilizer to discourage the growth of crabgrass and weeds is a must! Crabgrass deeply affected the field and provided an uneven finish. Use a mild fertilizer from time to time and one that highly suits the local climate.  
  • IRRIGATION
  It is imperative to set up a sound irrigation system to maintain a good field condition. The watering schedule must be maintained as it creates an excellent deep root structure for the grass. The advantage is that, during summer, it holds a fair amount of hydration and prevents the surface from drying out. Also, it makes the body look tighter and compact before matches and prevents the soil from breaking apart. 
  • EDGING THE BORDERS 
  Periodic edging of the field has many benefits as it keeps the area looking sharp and well-maintained. First, edge the field with a mechanical edger, followed by mapping with the string’s help. Once you are done with the edge, use the hand loop edger for preciseness with the stubborn grass. For a finishing touch, rake small stones and scarps with the help of a shovel. Voila! Your field edging is complete. 
  • DRYING THE FIELD 
  In lower areas of the field, the water tends to clog a lot, and therefore the right techniques must be implemented to dry the infield skin. The best and expensive method would be a laser-grade drier as it will drastically improve the drainage and dry the surface. The other alternative would be to use the puddle pillows for stagnant water to soak up the moisture. Thirdly, calcine clay could be used to absorb the dampness further. Use a rake or spreader to distribute the clay to absorb the wetness. Sometimes, nail dragging is used for the surface to open up and allow the air and sunlight to be well-penetrated to aid the dryness process.

Crew members use various techniques to create the perfect game experience for both the audience and sports teams. During the game, the crew’s duties are evident, but there is so much more to the job when the cameras are off.