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Brooks Field Awarded SFMA Field of the Year
2/20/2024 1:40:00 PM | Football, Athletics
DURHAM – Brooks Field was honored as the 2023 Sports Field Management Association Field of the Year, the organization announced.
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The field of the year is awarded to natural grass fields that exhibit excellent playability and safety and whose managers utilize innovative solutions, effective use of their budgets and have implemented a comprehensive agronomic program.
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"It is an honor to receive this year's SFMA Field of the Year Award. Our staff works tirelessly and collectively to ensure Brooks Field is second to none in safety, playability, and aesthetics. Every Saturday in the fall we strive to have a field that looks like it has never been played on with a surface that our football team has confidence in for them to play at their very best," Duke superintendent of sports fields and grounds Ian Christie said.
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Brooks Field was dedicated on Sept. 11, 2015, to alumnus Steve Brooks and his wife, Eileen. The Brooks family has a long history of giving to Duke, including support for the Brooks Practice Facility and Brooks Building for Duke Football.
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The biggest key to Duke's field success has been how it actively manages the surface, which is Latitude Bermuda grass grown on 12 inches of sand. Christie added that he and his staff have had to learn many things over the years as the field and soil system are alive, so the process of maintaining is ever-changing.
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"We are no longer an industry that just throws lines down and mows a field," Christie said. "It is technically advanced where small changes and adjustments can lead to big swings. We actively manage the field as we are aware of how it responds and where we need it to be."Â
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To stay up to date with Blue Devils football, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeFootball".
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu.
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#GoDuke
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The field of the year is awarded to natural grass fields that exhibit excellent playability and safety and whose managers utilize innovative solutions, effective use of their budgets and have implemented a comprehensive agronomic program.
Â
"It is an honor to receive this year's SFMA Field of the Year Award. Our staff works tirelessly and collectively to ensure Brooks Field is second to none in safety, playability, and aesthetics. Every Saturday in the fall we strive to have a field that looks like it has never been played on with a surface that our football team has confidence in for them to play at their very best," Duke superintendent of sports fields and grounds Ian Christie said.
Â
Brooks Field was dedicated on Sept. 11, 2015, to alumnus Steve Brooks and his wife, Eileen. The Brooks family has a long history of giving to Duke, including support for the Brooks Practice Facility and Brooks Building for Duke Football.
Â
The biggest key to Duke's field success has been how it actively manages the surface, which is Latitude Bermuda grass grown on 12 inches of sand. Christie added that he and his staff have had to learn many things over the years as the field and soil system are alive, so the process of maintaining is ever-changing.
Â
"We are no longer an industry that just throws lines down and mows a field," Christie said. "It is technically advanced where small changes and adjustments can lead to big swings. We actively manage the field as we are aware of how it responds and where we need it to be."Â
Â
To stay up to date with Blue Devils football, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeFootball".
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu.
Â
#GoDuke
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