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2026 National Turfgrass Science Invitational

What is a National Invitational?

FFA Emblem

The Turfgrass Science competition will alternate between the national conferences of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and Sports Field Management Association (SFMA). During the conferences, participating FFA members and advisors will be offered both professional development and access to the trade show in addition to the competition.

Teams are not currently required to qualify at the local or state level to participate in this Invitational. Please review the handbook (coming soon) for competition rules.

The National FFA Organization continually revises National FFA Events to ensure they remain relevant to the industry, FFA members and the agricultural education classroom. In its effort to modernize and increase the number of quality experiences for FFA members, National FFA has created a new model to recognize endorsed activities with other organizations. The National Turfgrass Science Invitational is endorsed by National FFA, and open to FFA members. Recognition of winners and teams who competed at the invitational will be held in conjunction with SFMA Conference and Trade Show.

Important Dates

Registration will open summer 2025. Exact date to be released soon.

Registration for the competition is free. 

Invitational Schedule

Monday, January 19

  • 2-5 p.m. Registration and Badge Pickup, Fort Worth Convention Center
  • 5:30-6:30 p.m. Orientation, Fort Worth Convention Center

Tuesday, January 20

  • 7:30 a.m. -7:45 p.m. Announcements, Fort Worth Convention Center
  • 7:45 a.m. Board Bus (1st Group), Fort Worth Convention Center
    • 8:00 a.m. Drop off at TCU (1st Group)
  • 8:15 a.m. Board Bus (2nd Group), Fort Worth Convention Center
    • 8:30 a.m. Drop off at TCU (2nd Group)
  • 9:00 a.m. First round of knowledge test/case studies, TCU
  • 10:30 a.m. Second round of knowledge test/case studies, TCU
  • 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m., Advisor PD
    • 12:00 p.m.- 12:45 p.m. Lunch
  • 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Practicum Stations, TCU Fields

Wednesday, January 21

  • 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Student/Advisors visit booths, SFMA Trade Show
  • 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. NTSI Awards Ceremony

Invitational Resources ( Coming Soon)

  • Housing
  • Budget and Travel Guide
  • Turfgrass Science Invitational Orientation Guide
  • Turfgrass Science Invitational Handbook
  • Turfgrass Science Practicums
  • Turfgrass Science Case Studies

If you have questions, contact: