Experienced contractor HG Sports Turf has been appointed to prepare the pitch and grow and install approximately 183,000ft2 of turf for the Perth Stadium playing surface.
The grass will be grown locally in Serpentine and is expected to be laid in mid 2017. Australian Premier Colin Barnett and sport and recreation minister Mia Davies were on-site to make the announcement with senior representatives from Football Federation Australia, ahead of the Socceroo’s 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Iraq at nib Stadium.
“The playing surface for the 60,000-seat stadium is a hugely important element of the project, not only helping players to perform at their best but also providing fans with a great viewing experience too,” said Barnett.
“A tried and tested solution has been selected accommodating different sporting and entertainment events. The turf will be a combination of natural grass interwoven with artificial turf and rolled onto the pitch like a carpet, providing outstanding stability and durability.”
The same turf solution has been used successfully at major venues across Australia and New Zealand, including the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Eden Park, Auckland.
Davies said the turf was also used in Perth at nib Stadium and received rave reviews from players – including the Socceroos.
“The turf is not only known to be a world-class playing surface, but it will also be grown locally,” she said.
“The grass is currently sprouting on two hectares at a Serpentine turf farm and once harvested, it will be delivered to the stadium site in rolls.”
Football Federation Australia chief executive officer, David Gallop, commended the turf contractor selection and welcomed opportunities for the Socceroos to play to capacity crowds at Perth Stadium.
Preparation of the playing surface will soon commence, involving installation of drainage equipment, irrigation systems, power cables and below-ground services, including soil and gravel.
The Perth Stadium and Sports Precinct is more than 50% complete and on schedule to open in time for the start of the 2018 AFL season.
