HERO Hybrid Grass: Transforming stadiums for elite football events

HERO Hybrid Grass

In the world of sports, where passion and precision collide, the playing field holds a special significance.

When it comes to hosting elite, high-profile football events, one challenge has always stood out; Maintaining the highest-quality natural grass throughout the entirety of the tournament. This challenge led Hamish Sutherland and his team at HG Turf Group on a remarkable journey of innovation, resulting in the creation of the revolutionary HERO Hybrid Grass.

HERO Hybrid Grass is the result of a ground-breaking partnership between HG Turf Group, Sport Group, Polytan (a member of Sport Group), and GST Global. This consortium of expertise seamlessly blends German synthetic fibre technology, South Korean manufacturing proficiency, and Australian natural grass know-how. The outcome? A technological marvel that is transforming the game of football from the ground up.

Sport Group Fibre: The key ingredient

Central to this innovation is the Sport Group fibre, a pinnacle of German engineering. With a legacy of excellence in developing synthetic grass fibre, Sport Group’s contribution to HERO Hybrid Grass is pivotal. This partnership not only enriches the product’s performance but also propels the industry forward by delving into eco-friendly solutions. Sport Group’s venture into petroleum-free and CO₂ neutral fibres showcases a commitment to sustainability, aligning seamlessly with the changing environmental consciousness.

The hybrid advantage

Hybrid grass, the harmonious marriage of natural grass (95%) and synthetic grass (5%), has revolutionised elite football tournaments. The addition of synthetic fibres augments stability, durability, and consistency to the playing surface. As a result, players experience enhanced ball bounce, ball roll, and secure footing, redefining the dynamics of the game. Notably, this technical edge does not compromise the authentic feel of natural grass—a testament to the meticulous engineering behind HERO Hybrid Grass.

Making the beautiful game even more beautiful

Hybrid grass technology has opened new doors for football enthusiasts. Stadiums have become arenas of unparalleled performance, where players and teams can truly shine. The consistent playing surface ensures breath-taking plays, showcasing the sport at its pinnacle. Moreover, this innovation transcends players and teams, captivating spectators with an unmatched football experience. With HERO Hybrid Grass, fans are treated to impeccable playability, translating into unforgettable moments on the field.

Strong environmental performance

In an era where sustainability takes centre stage, HERO Hybrid Grass stands as a testament to responsible innovation. The partnership between HG Turf Group, Sport Group, GST Global, and Polytan underscores their collective commitment to environmental stewardship. At the end of its useful life, HERO Hybrid Grass is 100% recyclable, contributing to a circular economy. This dedication to reducing the environmental footprint aligns with the partners’ shared values, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the field.

Pitches made better: By science and nature

The synergy between cutting-edge engineering and the beauty of natural grass is embodied in HERO Hybrid Grass. This remarkable collaboration redefines the playing field and sets new standards for football pitch technology. With installations at prestigious stadiums hosting the Women’s World Cup at venues – such as Stadium Australia, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Perth Rectangular Stadium, Eden Park, and Wellington Regional Stadium – the impact of this partnership reverberates across the globe.

In an ever-evolving world where innovation is paramount, the HERO Hybrid Grass story is a testament to what can be achieved when expertise from around the world converges with a shared vision. As the football world looks forward to more elite events, it’s clear that the hero of the field isn’t just the player – it’s the ground they stand on.

New York City FC detail plans for first ‘fully electric’ MLS stadium

New York City FC fully electric stadium

New York City FC intends to construct the league’s first totally electric stadium, with a variety of sustainability measures included into the design of the 25,000-seat complex.

The stadium’s design and construction will emphasise renewable energy, with an array of solar panels erected on the roof to optimise energy generation. Built-in efficiency will guarantee that intelligent systems avoid energy waste, and an emergency backup generator will be installed and only used when there is a utility power loss or when code-required testing is completed.

A water harvesting system will also be installed beneath the pitch to collect rainwater for usage in irrigation. Water-saving technologies – such as dry urinals, proximity-controlled taps, and decreased water mix taps and shower heads – can help to minimise wasteful use even more.

The Willets Point development project will also deliver a total of 2,500 units of 100% affordable housing at the site, as well as a 650-seat public school, 40,000 square feet of new public open space, retail space and a 250-key hotel.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams spoke on what the innovative stadium plan meant for the city.

“I’m proud that New York City will be home to the first fully electric sports stadium in Major League Soccer,” he stated via press release.

“It’s imperative that we continue our shift to a more sustainable and resilient future, helping New York to better prepare for a changing climate.

“As a city, we’re reshaping our relationship with energy: how we generate, store and use it. New York City Football Club’s stadium will serve as a model for that goal. New York City has taken significant steps to become more sustainable, resilient and equitable, and this proposed stadium encompasses those commitments.”

Brad Sims, NYCFC Chief Executive, added via media release:

“New York City Football Club is proud to release details of what would be a historic first-ever fully electric professional sports stadium for both MLS and New York City,” he said.

“Sustainability is at the heart of this project and we’re focused on ensuring that the club is leading the way when it comes to reducing environmental impact. We’re committed to building a stadium that serves as a model for projects in the future.”

The privately funded stadium will be New York City’s first soccer-specific stadium and the city’s first major league sports facility since Barclays Centre debuted as the home of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets in 2012.

The stadium is expected to open in 2027. Since its inception in Major League Soccer in 2015, NYCFC has predominantly played at Yankee Stadium, the home of Major League Baseball’s New York Yankees.

St. Louis City SC and Cisco digital technology making an impact

CityPark

Major League Soccer (MLS) side St. Louis City SC is collaborating with Cisco, a worldwide leader in network connection and cybersecurity, bringing one of MLS’ most connected and fan-centric venues.

Cisco is the club’s Proud Technology Partner, utilising its solutions in networking, security, Wi-Fi, and digital signage to assist spectators have one of the most immersive match day experiences in sports.

Cisco is deploying a cutting-edge, completely integrated network throughout CITYPARK’s 31-acre stadium area, which includes the club’s stadium, training centre, team offices, and two-story team shop.

CITYPARK uses Wi-Fi 6, Cisco’s next generation wireless standard, to provide faster speeds for immersive experiences, greater bandwidth, and improved dependability while putting less strain on a device’s battery. CITYPARK is one of just a few MLS stadiums that use Cisco’s Wi-Fi 6 technology.

Matt Sebek, St. Louis CITY SC’s Chief Experience Officer, commented on what the technology will allow the club to achieve.

“As a next-generation venue with frictionless markets and mobile-first technologies at the forefront of CITYPARK’s engagement, an innovative fan experience is reliant on a robust and secure connectivity,” he stated via video.

“Every piece of data flows through Cisco’s converged technology, allowing us to streamline IT operations and provide heightened experiences through elevated video distribution, point-of-sale devices, digital signage, real-time app engagement and so much more.”

Cisco’s IPTV technology, a dynamic, end-to-end signage solution that combines high-definition video delivery with state-of-the art digital signage, will be implemented at CITYPARK. The 4K deployment will power screens across the stadium district, all entirely customizable and centrally managed via one point of control.

CITY SC and Cisco will work as part of the relationship to engage the local community and give meaningful, hands-on experiences to experience the power of technology first-hand.

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