We sat down with Sons’ Director of Facilities and Assets, Jordan Brownlee, to dig into the detail of the new artificial playing surface being installed at The Rock – sponsored by Marbill Coaches.
Jordan, first of all, tell us about the surface itself. There are obviously different types of artificial pitch. What are we getting?
“The surface finish will be what’s known as FIFA Quality Pro. It’s the highest standard surface finish. With that comes certain requirements and criteria, all aligned to FIFA standards. One thing that’s worth noting is that it allows us to offer the pitch for future international games.
“For example we could host Under-17s, Under-19s and Women’s internationals at The Rock once the pitch is in place.
“It also means teams like Japan or other international sides coming over to play at Hampden are more likely to want to use a pitch of that quality standard as well. That was one of the key requirements.”
Aside from the pitch surface, what other changes will fans see?
“The pitch dimensions will be made larger to meet FIFA requirements, which again allows us to host international games. So that will be one of the first differences people will see.
“Another one of the big changes is that the pitch will move closer to the stand. A few years ago the touchline moved away from the stand. That was mainly to take us out of the shade, because that one-metre strip used to freeze in winter and caused a few postponements.
“But it meant the pitch ended up quite far from the stand. We’re now going to move it back closer, which will improve the viewing experience and bring fans closer to the action
“It also allows us to create more space on the far side of the pitch. That space will be used for community changing facilities, which will come as part of Phase Two of this project next year, subject to additional funding from the SFA and others. So that’s a big win for fans.
“The pitch will also come with training goals. So we’re getting six sets of seven-a-side goals and two sets of 11-a-side goals. It’s worth mentioning this because it opens the pitch up for training activities, community use and small-sided matches.”
There was always a dip in the surface towards the Leven end corner flag. Will that be resolved?
“Yes, that’s one of the criteria for FIFA quality standards. We need to meet certain levels for flatness, similar to SPFL requirements. The pitch should be completely level.
“Teams have previously been fined for having a slope on their pitch. We’ve been concerned about it for a long time to be honest, but that will be rectified as part of this work.
“We’ll install a geo-grid reinforcement layer, which will strengthen the base and resolve the dip in the pitch. So fans will notice that improvement.”
All of this is going to require a huge amount of groundwork, what can you tell us about that?
“We’ll be excavating around 4,000 cubic metres of sand and gravel from the existing pitch. There are two options with that. You can remove it off-site, but this is costly, goes to landfill and is therefore not environmentally friendly. Or you can keep it on-site
“We’re choosing to stockpile and reuse it on-site, which is more sustainable. We are also looking at the potential of quantities of it being sold to construction companies to generate some additional income.
“Through this, we’re reducing waste, avoiding unnecessary landfill and cutting down on heavy vehicle movements going in and out via Castle Road.”
And finally, the question on everybody’s lips. When will it be complete?
“We’re confident that the works will be complete in time for the start of the new William Hill League Two season. We’re currently working on a temporary arrangement for the two ‘home’ Premier Sports Cup fixtures that will take place before this, and will be in a position to confirm where these will be played shortly.”