In the midst of the international 2018 FIFA World Cup excitement, we wanted to chat with someone in the game locally. Known as “The Magician” in the region’s industry, John Torres is the Head Groundskeeper at Talen Energy Stadium for the Philadelphia Union soccer team. From spending 50-60 hours per week maintaining the natural grass to turning flooded field disasters into game time miracles, we’re proud to recognize John as our First Friday Feature. Learn about groundskeeping, the story behind the nickname “The Magician,” and advice for those looking to break into the sports industry.
Philly PR Girl (PPRG): Tell us a little about yourself. How did you become the Head Groundskeeper for the Philadelphia Union?
Philly PR Girl (PPRG): Tell us a little about yourself. How did you become the Head Groundskeeper for the Philadelphia Union? John Torres (JT): I was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio and attended Owens Community College with the intent to play soccer. Since I worked for a landscaping company in high school, I figured I would study landscape and turf management. Once in school, I quickly found that there was a sports turf industry that I wasn’t aware of before and switched gears to combine my passions of soccer and working outdoors. After completing my associate’s degree, I transferred to Ohio State University and earned my bachelor’s degree in turf grass science. While in Columbus, I was a student worker with the MLS team, the Columbus Crew, and aspired to one day become a head groundskeeper in MLS myself. Also during my time at Ohio State, I had the opportunity to work abroad with Arsenal FC at their training center in London Colney. It was there that I gained the knowledge of what it takes to manage a high profile playing surface. Soon after graduating from Ohio State in 2009, I became the assistant groundskeeper with Spectra Venue Management for the newly established Philadelphia Union organization in MLS. A year later, I became the head groundskeeper and have been here over eight years!
PPRG: How did you cultivate your groundskeeping skills over the years?
JT: Obviously I learned a lot of the fundamentals of groundskeeping from my studies, but a good amount of my knowledge has come from experience – from trial and error. I’ve had a lot of wonderful mentors who have helped me throughout the years, and they all played an important part in my development as a groundskeeper. One of my first mentors who really sparked my ambition was Matt Williams, facilities director at the Ohio State Turfgrass Foundation Research and Education Facility.
PPRG: Wow! Over the years, your green thumb has earned you the nickname of “magician.” Tell us the story behind it!
JT: It began with the Union technical staff. The team trains in Clearwater, FL for their preseason. In the initial year, the field conditions were not acceptable for their standards. They brought me in for the second year to consult. After a few visits, I was able to improve the conditions to the meet the standards of the team.
PPRG: And the rest is history… So what does a typical day entail for you—on and off the field?
JT: A typical day includes ensuring that the practice fields are in top condition for training. I also make sure the stadium field is getting proper nutrients and maintenance for the next event. A game day affects my work by impacting when I schedule fertilizing, aerating, etc. In the days leading up to an event, we try to make sure the field is aesthetically pleasing for fans and the TV audience by putting in mowing patterns. Non-gaming events are usually much more of a struggle to deal with. We have to ensure that the playing field is always protected.
PPRG: What is the most challenging aspects of your job? How do you overcome these challenges?
JT: The most challenging aspect is the weather and how it affects maintenance of the field and game days. The region where the stadium sits endures all extremes of weather: 10” of snow, 100 degree heat, thunderstorms, high winds off the Delaware River, etc. Working in these conditions and trying to maintain the fields can be difficult. We overcome these challenges by monitoring weather forecasts weekly, daily, and hourly to prepare according to those forecasts, whether that means staying late, getting in early, or working over the weekend.
PPRG: What is your favorite part about Talen Energy Stadium, home of the Philadelphia Union? Can you share a fun fact that fans may not know?
JT: My favorite part about the stadium is the riverfront view. For a unique fact, in 2011 during a summer storm, we received an inch of rain in less than a half hour during high tide. The field flooded to the point where not even a blade of grass was visible. It all had drained within an hour after the rain stopped.
PPRG: For those looking to work the sports industry, what advice do you have for them?
JT: First and foremost, gain the relevant education, whether that’s a turfgrass certificate or a college degree, for instance. Foster strong relationships with management, so that you have solid references when you are ready to move up in the industry.
PPRG: When you’re not on perfecting and beautifying the field, what do you enjoy doing outside of Talen Energy Stadium?
JT: I enjoy spending time with my wife and baby girl Isabella. Naturally, I also love playing soccer and being outdoors. My favorite spot in Philadelphia is Reading Terminal Market.
PPRG: Lastly, as a soccer fan, do you have any predictions about the exciting World Cup this year?
JT: I’ve been surprisingly happy with the performance of Mexico because of my Mexican heritage, but I feel that Spain will get it together and win the tournament! (Editor’s note: Sadly, as of the publish date, both teams have been eliminated.)
If you’re interested in learning more about groundskeeping or the Philadelphia Union, follow John “The Magician” on Twitter and Instagram.
