The Aviva Stadium hosts its first action this week (31st July 2010) when the Combined Provinces Rugby Fixture between Leinster & Ulster v Connacht & Munster takes place on the all-new state of the art pitch.
STRI worked closely with Populous, the lead architects for the new Aviva Stadium, on the design and specification of the pitch, including a detailed light and shading analysis of the pitch and the installation of the latest under-soil heating and irrigation systems to ensure playability all year round.
STRI’s team, led by Irishman Richard Hayden, who managed the successful delivery of all the pitches at the 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 (Fibrelastic, supplied by Mansfield Sand and installed by Clive Richardson Limited), which is one of the latest developments in pitch rootzone technology. The Fibrelastic pitch is the first of its kind in Ireland, and the same technology has produced great results at Newcastle, Rangers and Bristol in the UK. This particular grass root reinforcement reduces 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 an extensive, 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.”
He added: “STRI has delivered a world class pitch for the Aviva Stadium and I’m sure that both rugby and soccer players will enjoy playing at the new national stadium and the fans will enjoy watching some great games on a great pitch.”
Martin Murphy Aviva Stadium Director commented: "The pitch is looking absolutely fantastic. The grass has grown in really well. We are really looking forward to seeing what the players have to say about it both following Saturday's rugby game and next week's first soccer match."
