The Singapore Sports Hub yesterday unveiled a new long-term turf solution which it believes will finally solve the woes of the National Stadium's field.
To be used during next month's SEA Games, the Eclipse Stabilised Turf (EST), commonly known as a "lay and play" surface, combines natural and artificial grass in a roll of turf.
It involves cutting up the natural field at an off-site nursery - run by home-grown company TEHC International - and then transporting the grass in rolls to the stadium. Officials said the entire process, from nursery to an event-ready field at the stadium, will take 48 hours.
"Over the last few months, we have been working very closely with a qualified turf supplier that can cater to the unique climate, architectural and multi-activity needs of the National Stadium," said Sports Hub chief executive Philippe Collin-Delavaud.
Melbourne-based HG Sports Turf will provide the system as part of a three-year deal with the Sports Hub. It also worked on turf projects for the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the recent Cricket World Cup in Australia.
After the SEA Games' opening ceremony on June 5, the EST will be laid on top of the National Stadium's much-maligned Desso GrassMaster surface, whose patches and sandy conditions came under fire from the likes of Brazil football coach Dunga and the New Zealand Rugby Union.
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