Construction of SISGrass stitched hybrid turf stadium pitch
Nottingham Forest Football Club, The City Ground Stadium
Project challenges
Ground conditions
The existing 30 year old pitch overlaid ancient landfill, so excavating into original ground threw up some interesting finds.
Excavating drainage and service trenches uncovered ash, soft ground, old pottery, bricks and concrete. All had to be dealt with efficiently to maintain the tight programme.
Our approach
An extensive pitch re-construction
The scope of work comprised the following:
- Excavate to remove 450mm depth from the entire surface of the existing pitch, load onto lorries and remove from site to tip/recycling
- Cut and fill earthworks to create new pitch levels and installation of primary drainage with pumped outlet
- Installation of new irrigation and undersoil heating systems
- Supply and install new gravel raft drainage layer, lower sand layer and upper rootzone surface complete with nutrient retentive amendments
- Cultivation, fertiliser applications and seeding carried out in conjunction with MJ Abbott
- Installation of SISGrass stitched hybrid pitch reinforcement system
- Excavate to remove surrounds and reconstruct with stone layers and new 3G SIS turf carpet complete with rubber infill.
Outcomes
A successful re-construction that plays as expected
The pitch was successfully grown in by head groundsman Ewan Hunter, who continued to maintain a high standard during the first season’s use.
The pitch played as expected during its first season, reacting well to intense use at times, across all club competitions and training sessions.