Widnes Vikings i-pitch questions answered

What does i-pitch mean?

The ‘i-pitch’ stands for ‘intelligent pitch’. The i-pitch at the Stobart Stadium Halton will be managed in partnership by Halton Borough Council and Widnes Vikings.

How much will the Vikings’ i-pitch cost?

The cost of installation is in the region of £500k and there are natural savings to be made from ground maintenance and machinery.

Who will fund the installation of the i-pitch?

It will be funded by Steve O’Connor, Chairman of Widnes Vikings. The capital outlay will be repaid over an agreed period of time from revenue generated from the pitch.

Who will own the pitch?

Halton Borough Council will own the pitch.

When will construction start?

The aim is to start construction after the last home game of the season.

Who manufactures the i-pitch?

Our i-pitch manufacturers are a company called Desso Sports Systems, who have nearly 30 years of experience in the business, Desso Sports Systems is one of the world's largest manufacturers of artificial turf, and the company is active in over 80 countries and has been nominated as a FIFA Preferred Producer for football turf.

Who will install the i-pitch at the Stobart Stadium Halton?

J. Mallinson (Ormskirk) Limited have been appointed to install the pitch and the build time will take from 10-12 weeks. Mallinsons specialise in landscaping and sports ground development and has a prestigious portfolio of clients, including Wembley Stadium, Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), Manchester City FC, Aston Villa FC, and Haydock Racecourse.

Was it a difficult task to seek approval from the RFL?

Not at all, the RFL is working with the club to ensure the pitch meets its required specification for rugby league. Further to this, the RFL has been undertaking extensive research and has employed specialists to ensure the pitch is fit for purpose. The RFL aims to publish its specification for artificial grass pitches on 16 September 2011.

The Stobart Stadium Halton pitch has a slight slope. Will this be levelled / flattened prior to the installation to provide a perfect surface underneath?

Yes the current pitch will be removed and the new pitch will be level in one plane, with a constant fall across the pitch to improve surface water drainage. This built in fall will not be noticeable to the naked eye.

Will the pitch be suitable for the community/amateur game.

Yes, the pitch will be suitable for the community game of rugby league.

Will the pitch be suitable for international rugby league games?

The RFL is seeking confirmation from the Rugby League International Federation ‘RLIF’ and is hopeful of a positive outcome.

Will Widnes Vikings have a home advantage playing on this pitch?

Every home club has an advantage playing at its home ground, although Widnes will be faced with different ground conditions at other clubs.

Will you make the i-pitch facility available to opposing teams for them to play/train on, in advance of their games at the Stobart Stadium Halton?

Absolutely, the Vikings positively encourage this and will endeavour to make a session available for clubs to use the day before such events.

Further to this, any club or sports organisation can hire the pitch (subject to availability).

What are the risks to players from burns and or ankle twists?

There are no significant risks to players from burns and/or ankle twists.

Can you play on this pitch with studs?

Rubber studs and blades are the appropriate footwear for use on the i-pitch. This is the preferred modern-day footwear for the majority of professional athletes.

What other activities do you plan on the new ‘i-pitch’, you mention community use?

It is our aim for the stadium to be more inclusive, we want to utilise the i-pitch as much as possible and plan to run 7-a-side football, children’s parties, stag and corporate events and many other activities.

Will the pitch look like grass?

Yes it always look like grass in perfect condition and will not suffer from damaged appearance due to wear and tear.

What is the difference between artificial turf and natural turf?

The main difference between artificial turf and natural turf is that artificial turf can be used much more intensively. A natural pitch can be used on average 250 hours a year whereas an artificial grass pitch can be played on 7 days a week. Another benefit is the consistency of surface achieved with an artificial pitch.

After how many years will an artificial pitch need replacing?

The life expectancy of an artificial turf naturally depends on the maintenance and how often/intensively it is played on. As standard you can expect a life of 10/15 years.

What are the maintenance requirements?

Artificial turf requires weekly maintenance of brushing (approx 5 hours a week) which is significantly less than natural turf. This means the artificial turf is an extremely good investment in the long term.

How are synthetic grass fibres made?

Small pellets of synthetic material (polypropylene or polyethylene) are melted to a paste and then extruded under pressure through a mould. The mould imitates the structure of a natural artificial blade of grass.

Do artificial pitches freeze?

Yes, the system can freeze as quantities of water can be held within the rubber crumb infill. However, as the field will be maintained to a high level – e.g. regular brushing and specialist treatments to ‘decompact’ the systems infill, the management of frost is far easier. These operations would ensure minimal disruptions to play during a frost of -2 to -3 degrees. Products such as ‘air dried salt’ can easily be applied to the pitch (without damaging the system or fibres) to assist with frosts in excess -4 degrees, whilst frost covers can also be used.

What happens when it snows?

Snow can be blown off the pitch by a snow blower.

Will an artificial pitch fade in the sun?

The pitch incorporates Fibre Protection System (FPS) that protects artificial turf from the fading effect of sunlight.

Won’t the synthetic fibres flatten after a while?

Synthetic grass fibres are partly supported by the ‘rubber crumb’ infill which memorises the original shape of the fibre making the fibre spring up again. Maintenance and regular brushing is important to keep the fibres straight.

What is infill?

In order to make the artificial turf feel as natural as possible it is filled with sand and rubber granules or crumb. These give the sportsperson the same feel and shock absorption as soil with natural turf.

What about pitch markings, can they be integrated into the artificial surface?

Yes. Logos or markings can be added to the pitch, either permanently, semi-permanently or for one-off events.

Is there an opportunity to get the ‘i-pitch’ sponsored?

Yes. There are great opportunities for organisations who are looking at ways to improve/activate their corporate responsibility aims as the pitch will be a true community resource and show environmental benefits.

Have other Super League clubs been involved in the decision making process?

No, Widnes approached the RFL earlier this year who were already in the process of developing a standard for artificial grass pitches. Widnes Vikings has invited Championship and Super League clubs to a presentation in September which will fully inform them of their plans.

Are artificial pitches the way forward?

We believe so. History proves that many teams suffer both in-season and pre-season due to the unavailability of their pitch due to unpredictable weather conditions. With this in mind, after a long period of discussions, the Vikings have proven themselves brave enough to take the step of installing an artificial pitch. We firmly believe that despite being the first professional rugby league team to do this, we certainly won’t be the last!