Ever wonder what it would be like to manage an NFL and MLB facility at the same time? Ryan Bjorn does both in New England for the New England Patriots football team and the New England Revolution soccer team. He manages 6 grass practice fields, 3 for each team, and the Gillette Stadium artificial field.
Days after the Patriots finished their last game in early January the Revolution started practicing and the fields had to be ready to play. When he was asked if it was a relief when the football season ended, he reminded us that the next Monday the stadium field was replaced and that they only had days to get ready for the Revolution’s training season to start.
Ryan has one of the most complete resumes in sports turf, starting with a stint in golf course maintenance. He has also spent time in rec and parks, baseball with the Boston Red Sox, and working with the warm grasses in the transition zone of the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Finally, he was offered the head job at Gillette Stadium and all that it involves. When asked what advice he would give to any young sports turf manager it was to get as much varied experience as possible. Not surprising when you consider how diversified his experience has been. A wonderful conversation that spans agronomy, big time sports, and local community rec and parks.