Fans of the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, Fla., can start the countdown to seeing shovels in the ground to begin the construction of a transformational new on-campus stadium. Photo: University of South Florida A groundbreaking ceremony for the stadium will be held during the university’s annual homecoming week celebration, scheduled for Oct. 14-19, 2024. USF also released two new daytime renderings of the on-campus stadium, which follow the first set of renderings published in December. USF has selected H.J. Russell & Company to build the stadium and DuCon to serve as the c ..read more

Ryne Drummonds Hellas Construction, an innovator in sports construction and synthetic turf manufacturing, installation and maintenance appointed Ryne Drummonds as vice president of business development for the Southeast region. Drummonds brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a track record of success to his new role at Hellas Construction. Renowned for his strategic acumen and client-centric approach, Drummonds is poised to drive business growth and foster lasting relationships as Hellas expands its presence in the Southeast. “Ryne’s experience and strong leadership qualities make him th ..read more

As of April 3, 2024, Husqvarna North American President, Matt Nuijens, stepped down and left Husqvarna after a short transition period. With this change, Andreas Rangert, current president of Husqvarna’s emerging markets and Pacific business unit, will assume leadership of the North American business immediately. Andreas is relocating to the United States and will be based in Charlotte, N.C. Andreas has more than 25 years of experience in the Husqvarna Group spanning many different roles from R&D, product and category management, sales and service to most recently leading the emerging mark ..read more

Photo: Hellas Construction The Indianapolis Colts will kick off the 2024 NFL season on a new synthetic turf system that has environmentally friendly organic infill and a shock pad designed with safety in mind. Hellas Construction, which is the largest vertically integrated sports contractor in America, has successfully installed a Matrix Helix monofilament 120-yard synthetic field at the Colts’ Indiana Farm Bureau Practice Center. Hellas, which is the Official Turf Partner of the Indianapolis Colts, has prior experience working with 13 other NFL teams installing the same Matrix Helix turf sy ..read more

Through a newly formed affiliate, KPS Capital Partners has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Sport Group from funds advised by Equistone Partners Europe. Completion of the transaction is expected in the second quarter of 2024 and is subject to customary closing conditions and approvals. Sport Group is a leading designer, manufacturer and installer of artificial surfaces serving the global sports flooring, leisure and landscaping and industrial markets to over 70 countries globally. Headquartered in Burgheim, Germany, the company’s brand portfolio includes AstroTurf, Polytan, SYNLawn, Li ..read more

TenCate Grass, a leading global artificial grass solution provider for sports and outdoor living, recently acquired Midwest Sports and Turf Systems (MWSTS). Based in Plainfield, Ill., MWSTS specializes in synthetic turf sales, installation, design-build, maintenance and repair along with field removal. Founded in 2013 by Jody Factor, MWSTS has become a leading provider and constructor of synthetic turf systems for schools, universities, municipalities and other customers throughout the Midwest. “I have known and admired Joe Fields, the chief executive officer of TenCate Grass North America, fo ..read more

Memphis Athletics announced updated plans and timelines for the transformative renovation of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tenn. Work is set to begin in May with completion anticipated before the start of the 2026 Memphis Football season. “The elements of this renovation represent a game-changing opportunity for our fans, our football program and our athletic department,” said Laird Veatchm, University of Memphis vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics. “The experience over the next two seasons is going to be different and there may be some growing pains for a short ..read more

(Photo: Yanmar Americas) Yanmar America Corporation is continuing its sponsorship of the Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball (MLB) team. Official Partner of the Atlanta Braves Grounds Crew, Yanmar will support the Braves at Truist Park in Atlanta, Ga. “Our partnership with the Atlanta Braves underscores our commitment to supporting excellence in sports and community engagement,” said Jeff Albright, president of Yanmar America. “We’re proud to provide top-of-the-line equipment that helps maintain the field at Truist Park, ensuring an exceptional experience for players and fans alike.” (Phot ..read more

Maryland Soccerplex recently completed a drainage project for its 20 native soil natural fields after receiving a $2.1 million investment. GreenOne Industries, Landscapes Unlimited and Hummer Turfgrass Systems supported the project. Hummer Turfgrass Systems completed the project during the off-season in December 2023 after more than 10 years of work. Maryland SoccerPlex boasts some of the highest quality natural grass fields in the country using the most cutting-edge technology and environmentally sound practices to maintain the more than 50 acres of high-level, high-use turf. This most recent ..read more

MPSFMA The Minnesota Park and Sports Field Management Association (MPSFMA) announced several events that will be taking place throughout 2024. On July 10, MPSFMA will host a demo day at Two Rivers High School in Mendota Heights, Minn., where there will be hands-on equipment demos. The MPSFMA Golf Tournament will be on Aug. 22 at Oak Glen Golf Course in Stillwater, Minn. MPSFMA will have a fall workshop on Nov. 20 at Brackett’s Crossing Country Club in Lakeville, Minn., and to wrap up the year there will be a Green Industry Bowling Tournament at Flaherty’s Bowl in Arden Hills, Minn. VSFMA The V ..read more