GN-1 Turf Takes Root for Super Bowl

TAMPA, Fla. -- As the New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens were preparing last week for games that would ultimately earn them births in Super Bowl XXXV, George Toma, the NFL's long-time turf consultant, was following his game plan for installation of the field on which the Giants and Ravens will play Jan. 28.

The GN-1 hybrid bermudagrass arrived at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 11 and was greeted by a foe much more punishing than the feet of 300-pound linemen and slashing tailbacks -- it found frost and frigid temperatures.

With temperatures expected to drop into the 20s that night, Toma and his team covered the field with a tarp for protection.

When the "blanket" was removed the next morning, Toma was understandably worried when he found ice on the field. But his fears were calmed later that morning when the ice thawed and the turf appeared ready to host the world's biggest game.

Greg Norman checked out the turf before it was transported to Raymond James Stadium. "It made it through with flying colors," Toma said of the GN-1 turf that is making its second Super Bowl appearance in the past three seasons. "We had a few delays in putting it down because of frost, but this turf is tough. It's more aggressive than other bermudas and should be great for the game."

In fact, he said the field will likely be cut to 5/8 of and inch for the game, the lowest ever for a Super Bowl, a testament to the health of the field.

"The field will be cut low enough and will be in good enough shape that Greg (Norman) could bring his putter over and practice if he wanted to."

Toma and his team plan to add iron to the turf in order to "green it up" and will apply plenty of water before the game.

In total, 65,000 square feet of turf was transported by truck to Raymond James Stadium, and more than two days were devoted to installing the field.

"Everyone who walks on this field, from the media to the people who work in the stadium, are amazed by it," said Toma, 71. "This field will see a lot of traffic between now and the game, but it can take it."

In recent years, due to its ability to recover quickly after punishment from the world's top athletes, GN-1 has become recognized as the finest sports turf available for high-traffic venues such as those hosting football, baseball and soccer games.

In fact, the Ravens have enjoyed the benefits of GN-1 since the team began play in Baltimore in 1996, first at Memorial Stadium and since 1998 at the spectacular 69,084-seat PSINet Stadium.

In addition to its use in two Super Bowls and at PSINet Stadium, GN-1 is the Miami Dolphins' turf of choice in Pro Player Stadium and the Atlanta Braves' choice at Turner Field. Known as CT-2 in Australia, it was used in Norman's home country for the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney's Stadium Australia.

"In my 35 years of Super Bowls, this is perhaps the best field we've ever had for the game," Toma said. "It's going to give the players a tight field for solid footing, but one with plenty of movement so their spikes won't get caught. I'd say the grass is great, and then some - that's what distinguishes the great fields from the mediocre ones."

Established in 1995, Greg Norman Turf Company licenses proprietary turfgrasses for golf courses, athletic fields and home lawns. GNTC owns the exclusive rights for GN-1 hybrid bermudagrass, which has been its main product.