(GDA) — The grass that will be used as the playing field for Super Bowl LV in Florida was actually grown in Georgia. Turfgrass varieties such as the game’s Bermuda are developed by the University of Georgia and have been used for many events including the World Cup and Super Bowl.
“Tifway 419, bred and grown in Georgia, is a benchmark product of the University of Georgia’s world-class turfgrass breeding program,” said Laura Perry Johnson, associate dean for University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. “UGA turf varieties perform well growing on football fields and fairways, front lawns and backyards. We are proud to contribute to Super Bowl LV and look forward to seeing this vibrant bermudagrass variety on the playing field Sunday.”
The 419 Turf Program has a three-location facilities enhancement project that was funded by the 2014 Georgia Legislature that is located at the Tifton Campus, Griffin Campus, and Athens Campus.
“The process of growing Tifway 419 Bermuda Grass has been around since the 1950s but due to the extensive research and management provided by the University of Georgia’s 419 Turf Program, we can now provide research on how to plan and plant beautiful Bermuda grass for facilities national wide,” said Dr. Clint Waltz, Turfgrass Extension Specialist at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Science.
The 18-month old Tifway 419 Bermuda Grass being used for the game is the most favorable turf for sports fields because it is very durable and safe for the players to play on. Turfgrass and related industries have had an estimated $8 billion contribution to Georgia’s economy annually. Find out what is a 5g pitch and why it’s so popular.
“Our program provides research that manages pests, fertilization, and nourishment to produce the best quality of sod,” Waltz continued. “Our biggest mission at the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences 419 Turf Program is to continue educating and training to allow resources to stay viable as possible and have the billion-dollar industry to remain sustainable.”
Super Bowl LV will air Sunday, Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m. and will be played at the Raymond James Stadium located in Tampa, Florida.
Source: Georgia Department of Agriculture