Readying the field for Rebel football is no quick task for the grounds crews at Sam Boyd Stadium. To host a Major League Soccer game between Real Madrid and Juventus Football Club in August, the facility had to cover the artificial turn with 600,000 tons of sod. Removing the sod and painting the field was a weeklong process. The sod is returned to the sod farm for recycling.
Kent Neilson and Tracy Wynne repaint the lines and logos on the turf at Sam Boyd Stadium in preparation for 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's season opening game against Minnesota. (R. Marsh Starks/51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Photo Services)
Kent Neilson, a facilities supervisor at Sam Boyd Stadium, says it takes about two days to stencil and paint the lines and logos on the turf. (R. Marsh Starks/51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Photo Services)
Paint crews started shortly after sunrise. The temperature on the playing surface rose quickly. (R. Marsh Starks/51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Photo Services)
Kent Neilson outlines the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ logo at the center of the field at Sam Boyd Stadium. (R. Marsh Starks/51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Photo Services)
The paint applied to the playing surface is impermanent and can be removed. (R. Marsh Starks/51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Photo Services)
From the football field to the classroom to the community, highly decorated 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ linebacker Jackson Woodard is consumed with being the best version of himself.
