Pure Seed Ryegrass Shines on SFMA’s Field of the Year

Published 04/04/2025

We’re proud to share that Pure Seed’s perennial ryegrass played a leading role in one of the highest honors in the sports turf industry. The Jack Turner Softball Stadium at the University of Georgia has been named the 2024 SFMA Field of the Year – College Softball, and our seed was there every step of the way.

Despite major challenges—including irrigation failures, tarp burn, and the loss of an on-site sod farm—the field continued to perform at the highest level thanks to expert management and resilient turf. The overseeded PURESPORT blend helped deliver consistent playability, strong recovery, and visual excellence throughout the season, even under the demands of back-to-back tournaments and constant field use.

Brandi “BJ” Thomas, grounds foreman at UGA, credits her team’s attention to detail, willingness to document every decision, and a commitment to cultural consistency as key factors in the stadium’s success. From daily surface repairs to long-term planning, the field’s performance is a testament to what great turf management and high-quality seed can achieve together.

“Doing the little things right made the difference. If you do the little things right, it’s hard to do the big things wrong.” — Brandi Thomas, Grounds Foreman, UGA Athletics

This national recognition is a powerful example of Pure Seed’s role in performance turf environments. We’re honored to be part of this award-winning story and grateful for professionals like BJ Thomas and her team who set the standard in sports field excellence.

Originally featured in the April 2025 issue of SportsField Management Magazine.

To read the full article, see pages 10–15 of the issue: https://read.epgmediallc.com/gJjd