The new hybrid pitch is a top-notch playing surface made of a network of synthetic fibers and an open-structured underlay that acts as a support for the grass plant. It is similar to a carpet.
By keeping polyethylene fibers at the carpet base to a height of 45mm so that they are retained in the grass sward, its proprietary method strengthens the natural grass. Sand that has been meticulously chosen to provide the best drainage and playing performance is then used to fill it.
In contrast to traditional sports turf, the hybrid carpet is grown off-site in turf nursery field plots that have been properly prepared to offer the ideal growing circumstances, including enhanced airflow and natural sunlight.
The carpet, which covers 10,000 square meters and is filled with 40 millimeters of sand, is made up of 95 percent grass and 5 percent artificial fibers. The surface is subsequently sown with carefully chosen cultivars, containing four different varieties of perennial ryegrass: 20% Europitch, 25% Guldara, 25% Eurocordus, and 25% Monroe. Every cultivar has unique qualities that help it perform well at certain times of the year.
The pitch has been cared for off-site by LFC ground professionals from setup to harvest. The carpet is collected and brought to Anfield for installation after it has fully established itself.
When Liverpool received permission to start building the renowned Anfield Road stand about a year ago, the team lost no time and began excavating right away, with manager Jurgen Klopp taking the first shovel.
After the enormous success of the Main stand extension, Liverpool’s owner Fenway Sports Group kept its promise to enhance the fan experience.
