After 37 years, ASU's athletics grounds manager retires
Download mp3 (11.71 MB)
Whether it’s a weekday intrasquad practice or the Super Bowl, most of us don’t pay much attention to what the playing surface for a sporting event looks like or how it feels. But for the players, the grass or turf needs to be in great shape to help them avoid injuries. And for the biggest games beaming into millions of homes, the TV networks want the field to look bright and colorful.
Brian Johnson was in charge of making games at Arizona State University live up to those expectations, and he’s been involved with the preparation for 26 Super Bowls as well.
Johnson retired earlier this month as the university’s manager of athletic grounds facilities, closing out 37 years at ASU.
The Show spoke with him about the balancing act of having a good, safe playing surface that is also attractive.
