was asking a soccer fan about Wembley Stadium vs. Aviva conditions. Sounds like the field should be in pretty good shape. Still like the Under, but field shouldn't be a factor
Aviva Stadium to reap benefits of turf technology
The Aviva Stadium in Dublin will host its first action this week when the Combined Provinces Rugby Fixture between Leinster & Ulster v Connacht & Munster takes place on the venue?s new pitch.
The Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) worked closely with stadium architect Populous on the design and specification of the pitch, including a detailed light and shading analysis and the installation of the latest under-soil heating and irrigation systems to ensure playability all year round.
STRI?s team, led by Richard Hayden, who managed the successful delivery of all the pitches at the recent World Cup in South Africa, produced the design, oversaw the pitch installation and has provided onsite monitoring to determine the quality of the pitch performance.
A key element of STRI?s pitch design is the inclusion of a fibre elastic system ? called Fibrelastic and supplied by Mansfield Sand ? which is one of the latest developments in pitch rootzone technology. This particular grass root reinforcement lessens the surface hardness, reducing the risk of player injury, and improves both the surface resilience and traction. These improvements in pitch quality were validated by STRI, following a two-year fibre reinforcement research programme at its trial grounds in Bingley, West Yorkshire.
STRI?s director of operations, Richard Hayden, said: ?The Aviva Stadium is an amazing new stadium and as an Irishman I am extremely proud to have been part of its creation. It is of paramount importance that the pitch design is given the attention it deserves, and STRI has tailored the design and specification of the pitch, incorporating the fibre elastic reinforced rootzone, to the specific requirements of the Aviva Stadium. Particular focus was paid to the installation, performance testing and the ongoing maintenance of the pitch to ensure continued quality and playability.?
