their Toro Triple TPlex 185D cylinder mower, set at 38mm (Dave will raise the height of cut to 45mm during November through to March to help reduce wear).
It generally takes Graeme around two hours to cut the pitch lengthways in set bands but, if a more elaborate pattern is decided on, it will take longer.
Wednesday:
Wednesdays can be quite busy; not only do they have to paint four logos in the dead ball areas, they also have to go and maintain pitches at a local school (an ongoing contract), mowing and marking out a number of sports pitches - football, rugby and athletics. In the afternoon, if they have enough time, they return to Kingsholm and mow the stadium pitch again.
Thursday:
Dave oversees the placement of any commercial advertising boards around the ground, and the painting of the main sponsor’s logo in the middle of the pitch. Usually this is done by specialist contractors using a combination of aerosols, standard marking fluids and removable paints.
The size and complexity of the logo, and the paints used, determines whether they mow before or after it has been applied. Normally, they look to get in a bit earlier and mow the areas involved before the contractors arrive.
Dave also carries out checks on the floodlights, scoreboards and public address systems, making sure they are working. The last job of the day is to mark out the pitch ready for the ‘Captain’s Run’ - the 1st Team’s training session on the Friday before a game- which usually lasts a couple of hours.
Friday:
If the game is to be shown live on TV, all the cable rigging will completed. Graeme will put out the post protectors and kicking nets ready for the Captain’s Run whilst the players are out on the pitch. Dave takes the chance to catch up with the broadcasting company, check other issues and ensure all the toilets are working.
As soon as the players finish their training, Dave, Graeme and any other helpers will quickly divot the pitch before mowing it again.
88
Their final job of the day is to overmark the pitch using a spray jet marker set at four inches (100mm). This ensures that the lines are bright enough for the TV cameras to pick up.
Saturday:
Below is a brief extract of timings and events taken from their Match Day Operations Schedule:
0700 - Car park secured
0800 - Emergency gates unlocked and flags up
0830 - All stadium toilets opened and checked
0900 - Pitch branding checked and touched up if required. Post pads and flags put out
0930 - Scoreboards and PA system checked
1000 - Media areas opened and TV interview backdrops set up
1100 - Ticket office systems checked
1130 - Stadium secured (all contractors to be on site). Duty electrician arrives. Tournament organisers’ meeting (if required)
1200 - Turnstiles open. Bars open to public. Community Dept. Stadium tours begin
1230 - Community Dept. Coaching sessions begin on pitch (weather permitting)
1300 - Pre-match
entertainment begins (brass band)
1400 – Players individual warm up begins on pitch
1430 - Gloucester squad warm up begins
1450 - Players tunnel access to key staff only
1458 - Teams out 1500 - Kick Off 1540 - Half Time 1550 - Second Half 1630 - Final Whistle
1700 - Spectators cleared from the stands. Commence locking stadium
1730 - Toilets and all gates locked.
1830 - Hospitality areas begin closing
1930 - Stadium closes - bars remain open
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