www.stma.org June 2014 | SportsTurf 31
Five STepS
to transform your field
for tournament time
T
ournament season is supposed to be memorable
for all involved, from the teams and players to the
parents and spectators who spend an entire weekend,
or longer, at the tournament site.
Field managers at any level of play can improve
their fields with a few easy steps to ensure that players and spectators
are presented with a tournament-ready field that is both presentable
and playable.
1. Manage your infield skin
No tournament is going to give spectators and players the sense
of something special if the basics aren't covered. Make sure the base
infield soil is maintained effectively by dragging the skin and apply-
ing moisture. Prevent a dry, cracked infield by watering deeply in
the days leading up to the tournament. Incorporating a calcined
clay conditioner like into the infield mix will help to hold moisture,
releasing it slowly to create a balanced moisture reservoir in the
infield mix, giving your field a consistent level of play throughout
the tournament. Applying a topdressing layer before play ensures
good footing on the surface and gives you a terrific moisture man-
agement tool if rains do threaten to disrupt play. Conditioners also
help fight compaction and create a cushioned, playable surface.
Also, make sure there are no holes on the pitcher's mound or bat-
ter's boxes. Repair any low spots along the infield that could create
unsafe conditions or lead to bad hops during play.
2. add a splash of color
"Making a field pop goes a long way to creating an atmosphere
at the ballpark where the athletes and spectators know that this is
a special weekend," says Jeff Langner, brand manager at Turface
Editor's note: Jeff Salem is a public relations associate at Swanson Russell, based in Lincoln, NE.
Jeff Salem | Facility & Operations
A unique checkerboard pattern was featured at the Little League Softball World Series at Alpenrose Field in Portland, OR. Photo by Profile Products.
