Allianz Stadium Pitch Renovated
A substantial amount of infrastructure beneath the surface
STIGA’s partnership with England Rugby recently provided a closer look at the technology and infrastructure beneath the newly renovated Allianz Stadium playing surface.
The new natural-grass rugby pitch at Allianz Stadium has been built with a substantial amount of infrastructure beneath the surface, including more than 35km of pipework and a network of sensors designed to support water and moisture management.
The natural grass has been reinforced using Hatko’s synthetic turf system, while the underground installation comprises 6,192 metres of drainage pipework and 29,500 metres of undersoil heating pipe, across 86 drainage runs and 246 heating pipes. The pitch also has approximately 1,400m³ of underground water-storage capacity.
Jim Buttar, head of grounds and technical operations for the RFU at Allianz Stadium
Irrigation is split into four independently monitored sections, with 36 moisture sensors and two DrainTalent units forming part of a closed-loop water-management system. The setup provides subsurface irrigation and precision moisture management, with the pitch managed using data alongside the physical infrastructure.
The scale of the renovation is also reflected in the materials involved. The presentation in association with STIGA said 26 lorry loads of turf were required for the new surface, with 10,000 tonnes of turf removed and 6,500 tonnes of material brought in. More than 20 skips of material were sent for recycling.
The work was completed over a 12-week period, involving more than 10,000 working hours.
