Andy Levy
Director of Turf // State Farm Stadium
2025 Class of Pioneers in the Field

It’s a Saturday afternoon in the Arizona desert. Tomorrow, fans, coaches, and players will descend on State Farm Stadium—home of the Arizona Cardinals. But long before kickoff, Andy Levy, Director of Turf, can be found leading his crew in a well-rehearsed ritual of maintenance, painting, and precision.

Since 2006, Andy has conducted this symphony of preparation, transforming turf into a masterpiece worthy of the NFL stage. Like a true maestro, he commands his team with quiet confidence—no words needed, just instinct, timing, and trust.

While many might see game day prep as a pressure-cooker, Andy thrives in the rhythm of it all. For him, it’s not a job—it’s a calling. 

Throughout the week, Andy can be found deep in the rhythm of his surroundings. He feels right at home, whether it be running the stadium steps with his headphones on or watching the field tray head back outside the stadium after another successful field event.

For him, those moments—quiet, earned, and deeply connected to his craft—are when he’s reassured he’s exactly where he’s meant to be. 

From an early age, Andy knew he was meant to work outdoors. Summers spent on his uncle Johnny Dux's farm helped shape a vision of a life rooted in the land. Later, as a young adult working for a landscaping company, he discovered a love for transforming outdoor spaces. But the true turning point came during a part-time gig with the Arizona Cardinals. One day, sitting on a mower and taking it all in, Andy realized he’d be crazy to walk away. At the time, he was pursuing a future in geology, but at that moment, he knew turf management was where he belonged.

Once he committed, there was no turning back. “It got to a point where I didn’t want to be anywhere else,” Andy recalls. “They had to sit me down and tell me I was logging too many hours as a part-time worker.” His journey took him from the Cardinals’ practice facility to the City of Scottsdale, where he prepped fields for spring training, and later to the Arizona Diamondbacks. That stretch, he says, was his crash course in sports turf.

Then came the call that changed everything: an opportunity to return to the Cardinals and help bring the NFL’s first retractable natural grass field to life.

It was one of those moments where you either dive in or step back. Andy said, “‘Cool, let’s do this.’ I saw an incredible opportunity to be part of something revolutionary.”

Andy’s adventurous spirit has long been a hallmark of his character—something his longtime friend, Brian Johnson, former groundskeeper at Arizona State University, knows well.

“Andy and I have spent countless hours backpacking, sitting around campfires, and sharing a love for travel,” Brian said. “That adventurous spirit and passion carries into every part of his life—from work to family to his hobbies."

"Being the first is scary, but Andy approached his facility with energy and vision. There was no blueprint for the retractable field. Andy had to create it. He’s never flashy, but always delivers.”

In doing so, Andy became a pioneer. Nearly three decades later, his reputation as an innovative, ambitious, and resilient professional is firmly established. But it’s not just about the technology or the turf—it’s about the people.

Andy takes the most pride in being a resource to others in the industry and in the team he leads. “I’m lucky,” he says. “I’ve got assistants and crew members who match my dedication. That kind of culture allows for real trust.”

Despite his “field first” mentality, Andy still finds time to bike up and down the coast with friends, take cross-country trips with his family, and chase new adventures. “I’ve always admired Andy’s ability to get things done,” Brian Johnson said.

“Whether that’s hiking a trail on his way home from work or packing up the family for another global adventure. I imagine Andy happiest on a bicycle, or on the coast, or with a backpack up in the mountains.”

Andy also never takes for granted the privilege of being part of the Cardinals organization. “The fanfare of the NFL keeps us going season after season,” Andy said. “There’s something powerful about climbing the stands after a long paint day just to take it all in—or standing on the sidelines at kickoff. We all talk about that feeling, it never gets old.”

Andy leads by example—through commitment, hard work, and grace under pressure. John Drum, General Manager of U.S. Bank Stadium and a former colleague, puts it this way: “Andy is a natural leader. He lets his actions and care for his staff speak louder than words. Servant leadership is often talked about but rarely demonstrated like Andy does. He also helps inspire the next generation of turf managers through his involvement in industry groups.”

Beyond State Farm Stadium, Andy has become a sought-after voice in turf management circles. He’s a valued NFL groundskeeper who has traveled around the globe to contribute his expertise and has participated in many high-level Super Bowl field preps. He is consulted on field design for new stadiums and continues to advocate for investment in the next generation of turf professionals. His influence has helped shape the standards and expectations for what a premier playing surface should look like.

"First off, you must have a passion for what you do. Turf management is a 365/24/7 responsibility. Andy continues to educate himself on the latest research and trends. Secondly, problem-solving. Over the years, Andy has tackled many seemingly impossible tasks—and always found a way. Finally, grace under pressure. From Super Bowls and Fiesta Bowls to international soccer and relocated playoff games, expectations are sky-high at State Farm Stadium. Andy always delivers."

John Drum, General Manager, U.S. Bank Stadium

Andy Levy thrives in his behind-the-scenes role, but his impact is unmistakable. From setting new industry standards to mentoring the next generation, his legacy is one of excellence, humility, and passion—a harmonious masterpiece. 

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