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International Hockey Competitions at Warsteiner Hockeypark in Monchengladbach, Germany

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Up to 12000 persons can watch matches on two synthetic pitches at Warsteiner Hockeypark in Monchengladbach. The turf has been specifically designed for field hockey enabling dynamic and fast movement. Both pitches do also have floodlight in order to enable longer usage times.

The opening of the stadium in 2006 has been celebrated with a Four-Nations Tournament with Germany, India, Argentina and Spain being involved. Since its opening the stadium has been home to many national and international matches including the men’s field hockey World Championships in 2006, the Women’s Hockey Champions Trophy in 2008, the Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy in 2010 and the women’s field hockey European Championships in 2011.

The stadium, which is owned by the city of Monchengladbach, is a multi-purpose venue used not only for hockey but also for American football. It is among others used by the hockey League team Gladbacher HTC and the American Football Team Monchengladbach Mavericks. The name of the stadium comes from Warsteiner Brewery, who is also sponsor of the German hockey team.

Former ‘Tennenplatz’ transforms into modern artificial grass field

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Former ‘Tennenplatz’ called “Neustädter-Schleifscheibe”, recently transformed into a modern artificial grass field. Because ProPlay-Sport23D was applied in the design, an affordable and high-quality execution was possible.

Peter Näther, Object Manager SSV Neustadt/ Sa.: “We are very enthusiastic about the optimal playing characteristics. The players love this field because of its excellent sporttechnical characteristics. Even after heavy rainshowers the field is immediately playable. The drainage system functiones great!”

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ESTO issues statement regarding DIN SPEC

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ESTO today issued a press release on the action taken by the German Government concerning the continued and unlawful reference to the DIN SPEC in public tenders (both in English and German). This is a direct result of ESTO’s complaint to the European Commission stating that the DIN SPEC is still being referred to in public tenders.

To download the English press release click here or to download the German version, click here.

ESTO secures victory for synthetic turf industry

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The German Institute for Normalisation (DIN) in 2011 introduced a “pre‐standard” for synthetic turf, DIN SPEC 18035‐7. The DIN SPEC differed significantly from the existing European standard, in force since 2005. The DIN SPEC has operated as a de facto standard in Germany, impeding trade into Germany of these products.

After contacts with DIN proved fruitless, in September 2012 ESTO lodged a formal complaint with the European Commission, on the basis that the DIN SPEC violated European Union law by, first, restricting the free movement of goods and, second, violating EU standards rules by introducing a national standard in contradiction with existing EU standards.

As a result of that complaint the Commission initiated an investigation. Following that investigation, the German Government has informed the Commission that the DIN SPEC will be immediately withdrawn. In addition, German public authorities will be informed of the consequences of such withdrawal, the DIN SPEC cannot be a requirement in public procurement procedures, and the DIN SPEC will not be replaced with any equivalent standard. DIN has this month announced the withdrawal of the DIN SPEC.

ESTO is very satisfied with the outcome of the Commission’s timely action, which safeguards free trade in synthetic turf products to the benefit of German users and consumers.

ESTO Executive Chairman, Nigel Fletcher commented: “The outcome of the Commission’s investigation is very important, ensuring that communities and municipalities throughout Germany can now make informed and correct decisions on purchasing synthetic turf systems. Furthermore, it demonstrates the positive role that ESTO can play in achieving outcomes beneficial for the synthetic turf industry, users and consumers”.

ESTO secures victory for synthetic turf industry

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The German Institute for Normalisation (DIN) in 2011 introduced a “pre‐standard” for synthetic turf, DIN SPEC 18035‐7. The DIN SPEC differed significantly from the existing European standard, in force since 2005. The DIN SPEC has operated as a de facto standard in Germany, impeding trade into Germany of these products.

After contacts with DIN proved fruitless, in September 2012 ESTO lodged a formal complaint with the European Commission, on the basis that the DIN SPEC violated European Union law by, first, restricting the free movement of goods and, second, violating EU standards rules by introducing a national standard in contradiction with existing EU standards.

As a result of that complaint the Commission initiated an investigation. Following that investigation, the German Government has informed the Commission that the DIN SPEC will be immediately withdrawn. In addition, German public authorities will be informed of the consequences of such withdrawal, the DIN SPEC cannot be a requirement in public procurement procedures, and the DIN SPEC will not be replaced with any equivalent standard. DIN has this month announced the withdrawal of the DIN SPEC.