First-class college sport thanks to Polytan|STI

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The private University Diego Portales (UDP) in Santiago, Chile, is one of the best in the country and opened a new campus in March this year.

To ensure that the students can really burn off their energy after classes, a new sports ground with a running track and playing field on which both football and hockey can be played was installed at the same time. The new facility was planned by the leading Chilean architect Mathias Klotz, who is Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Art and Design at UDP. It was constructed by the South American partner, Resinsa.

The variable moods of the Chilean weather demanded a particular kind of turf, which is why the decision was made in favour of LigaGrass turf from Polytan|STI. It has proven to be extremely hardwearing and particularly soft. Thanks to its high-quality 100% PE formulation, the high-performance football turf is substantially softer than other crimped synthetic turfs, so the students benefit from natural ball rolling behaviour. Furthermore, it can be used for hockey practices, mainly for the women’s team of the university. The running track was equipped with a Polytan M surface, which is ideal for high-performance and competitive sport.

Following the official opening in March, there is now nothing to stand in the way of college sport at the very highest level. The students and teaching staff are already looking forward to holding exciting competitions on the brand-new running track and playing field.

An installation with views: Polytan|STI playing field on the high seas

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Smyril Line passengers were somewhat taken aback in early June: during the crossing from Denmark to Iceland via the Faroe Islands, they were able not only to enjoy the stunning views, but also to watch the installation of a Polytan|STI mini-pitch at the same time. Future travellers will have the chance to play football just above sea level on a pitch made of blue synthetic turf.

The use of a transparent band system means that the mini playing field blends in beautifully with the open deck, offering uninterrupted views of the waves and the horizon or the surrounding scenery at the same time. The idea is part of the new concept of the Smyril Line to offer something extra-special for young passengers on board. And the mobile mini-pitch with views is certainly not something you see every day.

When it came to installing the Polytan MegaTurf CPF synthetic turf in blue, Polytan|STI experts were faced with a few challenges: first of all, the installation had to be done whilst the ferry was in operation. The logistical details thus had to be perfectly coordinated – all the materials required were loaded in the port of departure. The installation itself was a further challenge: 15 millimetres of synthetic surface had to be removed from the ship’s deck so that a 25-millimetre thick elastic layer could then be installed. The Polytan|STI MegaTurf pitch was subsequently laid on top. Polytan|STI collaborated with BOS Sport und Werbung GbR of Münster on the installation of the one-metre band, including a two-metre-high net and net cover.

TenCate awarded synthetic turf systems tender for Dutch Jupiler League

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TenCate Grass has been awarded the tender by the Dutch Coöperatie Eerste Divisie for installing high-grade synthetic turf fields for professional football in the Jupiler League in the Netherlands. The installation of the first fields will already begin this summer and is provided by GreenFields, a subsidiary of TenCate. In this way the Jupiler League is building on the successful introduction by TenCate of the latest generation of synthetic turf systems in the Premier Division in the summer of 2012. It has been demonstrated that technically accomplished and attractive football at top level can be played on the TenCate fields.

The Coöperatie Eerste Divisie (CED) has taken the initiative to install synthetic turf football pitches in the stadiums of clubs affiliated with the Jupiler League. Interested clubs from the Premier Division and the Top Class can participate in the collective agreements and benefit from the same high-grade offer.

This football field tender and the choice of TenCate as a progressive party mark the turning point for synthetic turf in top-flight football in the Netherlands. TenCate will use its highest-grade synthetic turf systems for this important Dutch top-flight football project with international allure. This means a further optimization of the quality of the playing fields across the first division and reduction of cancellations during the competition, particularly during the winter period. A number of fields are already available for the Jupiler League and Premier Division, such as those installed last summer at Heracles Almelo and PEC Zwolle. This summer, similar fields will be installed at FC Oss and FC Den Bosch. Production of these fields is based on the 3D matrix weaving technology of TenCate, a patented technological innovation for the production of woven synthetic turf football fields. This enables the playing characteristics of a natural grass pitch to be replicated as closely as possible.

Synthetic turf systems from TenCate provide a playing experience that is true to nature. TenCate offers the fields to the professional clubs via subsidiary company GreenFields, which together with selected partners handles the installation of the fields. These high-grade fields – and in particular the woven GreenFields® MX system – enable a player to get his foot under the ball easily, just as in the case of natural grass. The ability to freely turn, accelerate and rotate is also comparable to that under natural conditions, consequently preventing increased pressure on tendons and muscles.

In addition to these sport-technical characteristics, the synthetic turf systems from TenCate offer maximum sustainability and a long-lasting natural appearance. Part of the winning bid of TenCate Grass relates to a 24/7 service package, whereby the club pays only for the use of the field and TenCate guarantees carefree playing pleasure. Furthermore TenCate is official partner of the CED / Jupiler League.

TigerTurf installs specialist synthetic surface at University of Stirling

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British manufacturer and ESTO member TigerTurf has recently installed a brand new sports pitch at the University of Stirling, in partnership with McArdle Sport-Tec Ltd., one of the UK’s longest standing sports surface contractors.

The surface, TigerTurf’s Total Turf 65XQ, is currently the UK’s leading multi 3G surface following its launch in 2012, with a guarantee of 20,000 playing hours. Originally designed for professional use, Total Turf 65XQ has proven very popular with schools, colleges and universities as a result of its high quality and testing in both rugby and football. The product offers many of the key benefits of synthetic turf including improved performance, durability and aesthetics, improved player comfort and limited maintenance requirements.

The project was first commissioned by the University of Stirling in June 2012, who cited specific performance characteristics in order to maximise and enhance players’ abilities as the main objective for the new surface.

Ian Graham, sports facilities manager at the University of Stirling confirms the positive feedback since the new pitch was installed: “The surface has been really well received by rugby, American Football and football players alike; it is already very well used and enables the University to provide students with a high performance, consistent and safe surface”.

The pitch is also FIFA 1 and 2 Star accredited, and meets IRB Regulation 22 and GAA standards in conjunction with the advised shock pads.

For more information on TigerTurf products, visit www.tigerturfworld.com.

Recticel study emphasises synthetic turf advantages

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The findings from a recent investigation – carried out by ESTO member Recticel – into the effects of freezing weather conditions on synthetic turf will provide further assurance to facilities that are considering a switch from natural to synthetic turf.

One of the principle factors when choosing a synthetic turf system is how it will affect playing conditions and whether it will meet the requirements of the user. Many natural turf surfaces across Europe become unplayable in winter months and so as an option that can deliver greater durability, facilities often turn to synthetic turf.

The sophisticated manufacturing process behind synthetic turf systems means that there are a number of components that can be affected by adverse weather conditions; it is therefore the responsibility of the manufacturer to determine what impact these can have and how best to limit it.

The study

As part of the study, manufacturer Recticel tested a synthetic turf system that incorporated its Re-bounce® shock pad, a vital component of the surface and a part of the system that impacts on its performance and playability.

Recticel performed a number of different field measurements to determine how playable a pitch was during the winter, focusing specifically on how the shock pad is affected in freezing conditions.

The findings

As Table 1 (above) shows, a number of fields incorporating different carpets, infill amounts and different types of shock pads were measured. Initial findings confirm that it is the total artificial system that is responsible for achieving the requested functional properties of the sport and not one specific component.

Issues can occur on a frozen synthetic turf surface when the snow melts, as pressure from snowploughs or users walking on the pitch will push the water downwards into the infill. This can then re-freeze, creating a harder, icy layer.

However, the findings also show that although the synthetic materials will harden as temperatures decrease, the different components making up the surface are frost-proof and therefore provide a safer, more resilient surface when compared to natural turf.

With playing frequency often reduced during adverse weather conditions, synthetic turf systems are not designed to provide a solution for use in all weathers. However, the findings from Recticel’s study do highlight a number of benefits when comparing synthetic turf to natural turf, with bespoke systems designed specifically to meet the requirements of the user.

For more information on Recticel its Re-bounce® sports range, visit www.re-bounce.com.

TigerTurf launches new sports product range at annual event

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TigerTurf has officially launched its new, innovative sports range! The accredited synthetic turf provider held its annual event on 21st March, 2013 in order to showcase what is in store for the coming year; invites were sent out to a selected group of consultants as well as TigerTurf’s ‘Premier Partner’ sports contractors. This year’s sports event, held at Silverstone Race Circuit, saw the introduction of their ever evolving sports product range, whilst offering a well-deserved opportunity to have some fun.

The day kicked-off with a morning of presentations and seminars; attendees were given the opportunity to find out more about the products, the advances in technology and maintenance guidelines. Following the launch of the products; the consultants and Premier Partners were let loose, racing the Nissan GTR around the infamous Silverstone international race track and also engaged in a ‘pit stop challenge’ where agility and speed was the key to success. The winners of the challenges were awarded with branded plaques over afternoon tea and were later on spoilt with a gorgeous meal at Whittlebury Hall and Spa.

George Pinner, England Hockey Team Representative, attended the event; “Having spent half my life on pitches it was great to get a bit more knowledge and understanding as to exactly how much effort and time goes into making the perfect pitches that we play on.  It’s also great to see a “made in Britain” company doing well.  The afternoon’s activities were also great fun, whilst getting in the way of a hockey ball hit at great speed doesn’t bother me; I was slightly nervous getting taken round corners at 110mph in a Lotus! Getting to drive the cars round the track was also a great experience; all in all a fantastic and informative day.”

From grass roots to international sport, TigerTurf’s comprehensive range of artificial turf surfaces are manufactured in the UK and supplied across the globe to meet standards recognised for optimum performance and enjoyment. For more information on TigerTurf’s new range of sports performance artificial turfs, please visit www.tigerturfworld.com or to talk to a representative about specific requirements call 01299 253966.