The amazing rejuvenation properties of grass in sporting venues have been highlighted once again in Poland this spring.
Despite the coldest winter for 40 years, with knee-high snow followed by heavy rain, the sparse and uneven surface at Hutnik Nowa Huta football club in Kraków has been improved beyond recognition, in time for England’s finest to prepare for their Euro 2012 matches.
Eight months ago, the pitch was worn and muddy. The FA tasked STRI with creating a world-class surface for the England team that would also leave a lasting legacy for the fans and players at Hutnik.
STRI chose to grow the pitch from seed on a newly prepared fibresand surface. An initial sowing of annual ryegrass and perennial ryegrass capable of germinating at low temperatures, was bolstered later with more perennial ryegrass and smooth stalked meadow grass.
The result is a surface that even Man City and Man United would be happy to play on…