Clearing snow from a football field is a meticulous process that combines proactive preventative measures, specialized heavy machinery, and precise manual labor to ensure the playing surface remains safe and visible for games.
Strategies for Snow-Free Football Fields
The approach to snow removal on a football field varies significantly depending on the timing of the snowfall (pre-game, during a game), the amount of snow, and the type of field surface (natural grass or artificial turf).
Pre-Game Preparations and Preventative Measures
Before heavy snowfall or a scheduled game, proactive steps are often taken to minimize snow accumulation on the playing surface itself.
- Field Tarps: One of the most common and effective preventative methods is covering the field with large, heavy-duty tarps. These specialized covers are deployed before snowfall is anticipated, preventing snow from accumulating directly on the grass or turf. This allows for easier removal of snow from the tarp rather than the field, often with plows or snow blowers that clear the tarp before it's rolled off.
- Under-Field Heating Systems: Many modern stadiums, particularly those in cold climates, are equipped with sub-surface heating systems. These systems circulate warm water or an antifreeze solution through pipes laid beneath the field, effectively melting snow and ice from below. This keeps the field clear, prevents freezing, and maintains optimal playing conditions.
Active Snow Removal During Non-Game Hours
When significant snowfall occurs, or if preventative measures aren't in place, various methods are used to remove snow from the field and surrounding areas.
- Heavy Machinery:
- Snow Plows: Tractors or utility vehicles fitted with snow plows are used to push large volumes of snow off the playing surface or tarps, moving it to designated areas off the field.
- Industrial Snow Blowers: Large, powerful snow blowers, sometimes truck-mounted or towed, can efficiently clear wide swaths of snow, particularly along the sidelines and in spectator areas.
- Brushes and Sweepers: For lighter snowfalls or lingering flakes, specialized rotary brushes or power sweepers attached to utility vehicles can gently clear the field without damaging the turf.
Game-Time Snow Clearance and Precision Work
If snow begins to fall during a game, or if a light layer accumulates after the tarp has been removed, a dedicated snow crew springs into action to maintain visibility for players and officials. This work is often performed quickly during breaks in play.
- Backpack Blowers: For precision work and clearing lighter snow, crews utilize powerful backpack blowers. These are ideal for quickly clearing specific areas, such as yard lines, hash marks, and numbers, without significant disruption.
- Shovels: Manual shoveling is crucial for clearing snow from critical areas like the goal lines, end zones, and sidelines, ensuring that lines and numbers remain clearly visible. These tasks are frequently carried out during timeouts or other brief pauses in action, highlighting the commitment that "football is happening no matter what."
Examples of Snow Clearing in Action
Some football venues are particularly renowned for their snow-clearing capabilities:
- Lambeau Field (Green Bay Packers): Famous for its wintry conditions, Lambeau's ground crews are masters at efficiently clearing snow, often involving fans in volunteer efforts for major snow events.
- Highmark Stadium (Buffalo Bills): Located in an area prone to heavy lake-effect snow, the Bills' stadium operations often involve extensive pre-game snow removal, sometimes requiring multiple rounds of plowing and blowing.
| Method | Purpose | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Field Tarps | Prevent direct snow accumulation on playing surface | Before anticipated snowfall, pre-game |
| Under-Field Heating | Melt snow and ice from below, prevent freezing | Preventative measure in cold climate stadiums |
| Heavy Snow Plows/Blowers | Remove large volumes of snow quickly | Significant pre-game accumulation, clearing large areas |
| Backpack Blowers | Clear light snow, precision on lines and numbers | During-game, light dusting, visibility of markings |
| Shovels | Manual precision clearing of critical areas | During-game, detailed line and number visibility |
| Brushes/Sweepers | Clear light snow, debris, and slush | Light snowfall, post-tarp removal |
For more insights into sports field maintenance and game day operations, you can explore resources from organizations like the Sports Field Management Association or articles on how NFL teams prepare for extreme weather.
