PITCH PROGRESSING AS PRE SEASON CONTINUES
Whilst the players are about to complete the first phase of pre season, the Falcons biggest off field signing for 2014/2015, is also about to embark on the next stage of its preparations.
The new 3G synthetic pitch has been under construction since late May, with Maryport based contractor SIS pitches installing the new surface.
The Cumbrian firm are market leaders in artificial pitches and are part of the official RFU Framework of approved suppliers, having also installed the pitch at Saracens Allianz Park.
To date the construction work has seen a large amount of heavy machinery in action at the stadium carrying out the excavation of the original Kingston Park pitch, laying a base layer of stone and installing the new drainage system before leveling the surface and installing the shock pad layer, which was completed on July 17.
To ensure the pitch is of the highest specification once commissioned, each stage has seen rigorous independent testing undertaken, with the stages to date meeting all requirements.
Whilst the completion of the new shock pad represents a significant milestone in the pitch’s installation and the end of heavy plant operations, there remains a large amount of work to complete.
In the coming fortnight the shock pad will be subjected to a number of tests before the carpet of polyethylene monofilament yarn will be laid and the final layer of sand and rubber crumb infill will be installed.
With work scheduled to be completed in time for the Falcons pre-season friendly against Rotherham on August 23, Managing Director Mick Hogan is looking forward to seeing the team in action on the new surface.
Hogan said: ““The pitch is on course for completion in early August and for final sign off by the RFU. It will make a big difference to how the team are able to play at Kingston Park and supporters will be able to see it up close and in action on 23rd for the friendly versus Rotherham.
We will be unveiling over the next couple of weeks a pre-season event for season ticket holders to come and meet the players and see for themselves the new pitch. At that event and at every home game supporters will be able to go onto the pitch after full time, throw a ball around and hopefully re-create some of the action they have witnessed that day.”
