Plymouth Argyle FC
New Hybrid Stadium Pitch and End of Season Renovations
Inscapes were contracted to carry out end of season renovations on the Millennium Pitches, Training Pitches and to install a new Hybrid Pitch. Hybrid pitches offer a compelling alternative to 3G pitches by combining the benefits of natural grass but have enhanced durability. The natural sports pitch is stitched with approximately 20cm deep artificial fibres that allow the natural grass to keep growing, supports biodiversity, removes the need for infill and reduces the production of virgin plastic. The project met high environmental standards with noise and emissions equating to 50.8T of carbon.
For the New Hybrid Stadium Pitch, Phase 1 consisted of removing the existing grass surface with our Koro Top Field Maker, 1,200T of fibre rootzone was removed and imported to Harpers Top Training Pitch and the remaining soil was reused on another project. The artificial surround was also removed and repurposed at a local Golf Club. The Stadium Pitch hosted various concerts in June including performances by Take That and 14 other concerts/events.
Phase 2 of the project involved supplying and installing an additional 30mm lower rootzone, graded using a laser-guided dozer. Timber edging, electrical ducting, and concrete plinths were installed along the perimeter of the pitch. 100mm of upper rootzone was installed, graded, trimmed, and levelled with precision using the laser-guided dozer.
The irrigation system received a significant upgrade with the installation of new Rain Bird Eagle 952E and 8005 series sprinklers, a DAB variable-speed pumping system, and eight individually controlled Rain Bird 11000 series units. Approximately four weeks after seeding, the pitch was stitched by SIS, and the 4G artificial surround was completed. The pitch was cultivated, stone-raked, and seeded, before being handed over to Chris Ralph, Head Groundsman, for the grow-in phase.
While concerts were in full swing on the Stadium Pitch, renovations began on the Bottom Training Pitch. The existing surface was removed using our Koro Top Field Maker, and additional secondary drainage sand slits and sand bands were installed. A fully automatic irrigation system was fitted, featuring perimeter and internal pop-up sprinklers, advanced control panels, and a ROAM remote for seamless water management.
Similarly, the Top Training Pitch underwent significant upgrades, including the installation of extra sand slits and sand bands. A 25mm sand carpet was supplied and installed, followed by the application of imported fibre rootzone from the Stadium Pitch, spread to a depth of approximately 80mm. The surface was then fully prepared and seeded.
On the Millennium Pitches, we carried out extensive renovations, including scarification to remove thatch, verti-draining to alleviate soil compaction, and top-dressing with sand. Fertiliser was applied, followed by drilling and dimple seeding to ensure optimal growth and performance.
