At the end of May, more than 180 sports field managers, landscapers, installers and industry professionals gathered in Tremembé, São Paulo, Brazil, for the Sports Turf Field Day. Hosted by Itograss, one of Brazil's leading turfgrass producers, the event highlighted the latest developments in sports turf management and bermudagrass performance.
While Itograss grows an impressive portfolio of turfgrass varieties, NorthBridge® Bermudagrass and Celebration Hybrid™ Bermudagrass were among the stars of the event. Attendees gathered to learn more about the varieties from researchers, sports field managers and turfgrass professionals while seeing the grasses firsthand in production.
Music, fellowship, food, and education took place at the 2026 Itograss Sports Turf Field Day in the tent.
Presentations throughout the day featured several industry leaders with direct experience using and evaluating these grasses. Wayne Philley, retired turfgrass breeder and senior research associate at Mississippi State University, discussed Celebration Hybrid and its continued success following its release from the “Celebration X” breeding program. Travis Hogan, director of turf management for the Kansas City Chiefs, shared insights on NorthBridge and managing bermudagrass for premier professional fields. Chad Price, president and co-owner of Carolina Green Corp., also presented on his experience with Sod On Plastic® production and sports field renovation projects.
Attendees heard from industry leaders and researchers before heading into the field to evaluate NorthBridge® Bermudagrass and Celebration Hybrid™ Bermudagrass firsthand.
Leaving the canopy of the massive tent structures, attendees walked to the fields to look at the varieties, equipment and products discussed throughout the day. This allowed them to see Celebration Hybrid and NorthBridge up close, ask questions and discuss practical applications for sports fields, golf courses and landscape projects.
Sod Solutions Director of Research Roberto Gurgel traveled to Brazil for the event and showcased materials on improved turfgrass varieties, products and services available.
"A special thanks to Itograss and everyone who spoke at and attended the field day," said Gurgel. "It was exciting to see the interest in NorthBridge and Celebration Hybrid and to connect with so many professionals who are helping advance the turfgrass industry in Brazil. Events like this create valuable opportunities to share knowledge and showcase the performance of these varieties in the field."
Roberto Gurgel at the Sod Solutions display during the Itograss Sports Turf Field Day.
Attendees left with a closer look at why NorthBridge and Celebration Hybrid continue to gain momentum across the turfgrass industry. For more information about these improved bermudagrass varieties, visit our website to learn more or find a licensed producer in your area.
Roberto Gurgel (far right) with the Itograss team at the Sports Turf Field Day on May 30, 2026.
