SYNTHETIC TURF
COSTS AND BENEFITS OF SYNTHETIC TURF
S
ynthetic surface materials, specifi- cally for football pitches, became available over two decades ago, with significant technological
improvements supporting a more natural look and feel to the turf. Since its introduction, there have been
both positive and negative reactions to using synthetic turf in football stadiums, but due to the characteristics of the newest generation of products, the use of synthetic turf for football is now sup- ported by UEFA, FIFA and many national federations/leagues. The quality of the synthetic surface
must be regularly maintained, and the field has to be tested to FIFA standards to ensure its safety and performance characteristics, whether at the elite or community level. FIFA has even drawn up criteria for the quality of professional and communal pitches and has issued a set of necessary guidelines for the benefit of national associations.
USAGE There's a common understanding that synthetic turf is typically used in regions where climatic conditions don't allow for the efficient usage and maintenance of natural grass fields. However, an overview of the current number of stadiums hosting synthetic turf in the European top-tier leagues does not seem to fully support this perception. In fact, based on KPMG’s research,
while the majority of stadium fields are in Norway, Russia and Switzerland, synthetic fields are growing in popularity in countries with less severe climatic conditions, including the Netherlands, France, Italy and Ireland.
INVESTMENT The costs of installation, testing and replacement are key items in the decision to replace a natural grass pitch with a synthetic surface. The price for a syn- thetic pitch depends on the quality of the
Use of synthetic turf for football is now supported by national sports federations and leagues – FIFA has issued a Quality Concept certification process
80 SPORTS MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK 2013
European Synthetic Turf Organisation (ESTO) commissioned KPMG’s Sports Advisory Practice to compile a report on the costs and benefits of using synthetic turf in football stadiums. Here’s what they found
synthetic turf chosen, the base required, and other considerations regarding the premises and expected future use. For example, clubs with an ambition to play in European competitions need to consider that UEFA regulations demand synthetic turf be granted both local and FIFA certificates, that the stadium be equipped with a drainage system and, if necessary, other facilities to ensure the field of play is playable on any match day during the whole UEFA competition season. The price of alternative types of turf
varies greatly, with standard quality synthetic fields ranging from 300,000 (£258,700, US$403,250) to more than one million euros (£862,300, US$1.34m) in investment value, according to interviews conducted by KPMG. With more recent innovations, synthetic turf is suitable for playing in the top-tier leagues, providing an even better playing experience. Under normal circumstances a natural pitch requires a lower investment value (150- 350,000; £129-302,000; US$202-471,000) than a synthetic pitch of standard quality. Usually the surface of the turf needs more frequent renewal, while the sub-base has a longer life cycle. Replacing only the top layer amounts to around 50 per cent of the initial capital investment.
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