Stadium Tours, Turf Science, and Networking: My SFMA Conference Experience
By Jeremiah Catarius, Gardener/Grounds Crew Leader | Facilities Services, San Diego City College - 2026 Conference Scholarship Recipient
Click here to view photos from the 2026 Conference in Fort Worth, TX.
Attending the SFMA National Conference in Fort Worth, TX was a great opportunity and experience for me. Touring the five different stadiums/facilities gave a unique opportunity to see operation and logistical challenges that different sites face, many of which we share in some manner at our own facilities.
Discussions on various topics such as shop layouts, equipment, specialized practices and seasonal planning efforts while being at the site presented an “in the field” experience that made it easy to understand and relate to these operations.
The education sessions were very impressive. Topics were dynamic and well-rounded to all the different aspects of managing a field and working in the community. These sessions discussed best management practices, strategies for successful budget planning, horticultural knowledge, and cultural sensitivity and development in the workforce. Considering the small amount of time each speaker had to provide as much information as possible, I was able to gain a lot of insight and dialogue to support knowledge I had and increase some skills and ideas to add to my tool belt. I have already been able to apply a small amount of this training to my daily practices and am incorporating more of it to improve my skill set, teamwork, job performance, and community outreach.
The conference also provided a great networking experience. Being able to interact with people from all levels of the community created a unique perspective on the green industry. Seeing the enthusiasm of students and professors, discussing the “day to day” with members of other institutes, municipalities, and corporations, and connecting with all levels of professionals and trades in the industry provided some great inspiration and direction for my career.
Here is a snapshot of the agenda items that I attended and/or participated in:
1-19-2026
Full day Seminar On Wheels
Tour of three major stadium facilities
Toyota Stadium-professional soccer
Riders Field-professional baseball
SMU (Southern Methodist University) – college football, college soccer
These tours provided insight into the operations and logistics of various stadium facilities including, dealing with environmental changes such as shade structure being added, minimal access to the field for equipment and materials for the maintenance and renovations.
Other activities
Safe bowling tournament/fundraiser-community support and networking
1-20-2026
Education sessions
-simplified soil sciences for superior sports turf
-sports field irrigation A-Z, including things you were afraid to ask
-ball field on a budget, practices and products to get the most bang for your buck
-generational intelligence-leadership for a multi-generational workforce
Other activities
General session-A discussion with professionals in preparing for the world cup.
Networking event for first time attendees
Opening reception-networking and relationship building
1-21-2026
Education sessions
-boots on the ground with turf maintenance & turf renovations in a no pesticide part of the world
-math made simple or so we hope
Other activities
Annual SFMA meeting-introduction to new board members, direction and goals of the association, dialogue about the community and accolades to all involved with the conference
Tradeshow
1-22-2026
Education session
-budget like a pro, strategic planning and financial advocacy for high impact turf investments
Half day Seminar On Wheels
Tour two major stadiums
· AT&T Stadium-Dallas Cowboys NFL -synthetic field operations and logistics. Currently being retro fitted to support live grass for FIFA/World Cup
· Globe life field-Texas Rangers MLB – synthetic field, tour of facilities and operations
Other activities
Tradeshow
Networking for professionals, Banquet, and closing awards ceremony