How technology is changing natural grass management in modern stadiums
As stadiums lose access to natural light, turf management is becoming more controlled, precise and data-informed.
How technology is changing natural grass management in modern stadiums
Modern stadiums are changing. Enclosed roofs, higher stands and multi-use schedules are reducing access to natural light, while expectations around pitch quality remain as high as ever. With stadiums hosting more events and recovery windows becoming shorter, maintaining consistent natural grass pitches has become a growing operational challenge for grounds teams and venue operators alike. In some environments, natural conditions are no longer available at all.
To respond to these challenges, stadium operations are increasingly moving towards more controlled environments supported by technology. Developed in collaboration with the Technical University of Munich, Rhenac®’s patented CLS® (Complete Light Spectrum®) technology was created to support natural and hybrid sports turf in these conditions. Rather than relying on fixed lighting schedules, the system adjusts light spectrum and intensity in relation to plant needs and surrounding environmental factors, helping grounds teams make more informed decisions based on pitch conditions.
The technology is available across both mobile systems and integrated stadium installations, supporting everything from targeted treatment areas to complete stadium coverage. It is already used in leading venues including the underground pitch system at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Schalke 04’s VELTINS Arena and Leigh Sports Village — some of the most demanding environments for natural grass in professional sport.
This approach has now been recognised with two “Winner” distinctions at the German Innovation Awards 2026 in the categories Circular Impacts and Lighting Solutions. Organised by the German Design Council, the award recognises innovations that combine practical relevance with long-term value across the sports industry. The jury brings together independent experts from business, science and industry.
The technology was also shortlisted for the Smarter Sports Awards 2026 in the category Smarter Venue & Infrastructure Innovation, recognising its contribution to the future of stadium infrastructure and operations.
Reflecting on the award, Horst Theisen, CEO of Rhenac®, said:
“What this recognition highlights is how quickly expectations around natural playing surfaces are evolving. Maintaining natural grass now depends as much on managing the environment as reacting to weather conditions.
Across the industry, we’re moving away from fixed routines towards more responsive and data-led turf management. That development is already underway and will continue shaping how modern stadiums operate in the future.”
By aligning light application more closely with plant needs, CLS® supports more consistent pitch quality while enabling smarter use of energy and other inputs. As stadium operations continue to evolve, this level of precision is becoming essential for maintaining high-quality natural playing conditions in demanding stadium environments.
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