Tag Archive for: Innovation

Ransomes Combines Legacy and Innovation

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Ransomes Combines Legacy and Innovation: Ransomes is launching its first lithium machine at Saltex, with the Aurora ELiTE lithium out-front rotary mower cutting a new path in clean, green, sustainable turf maintenance.

Whilst this is Ransomes’ first lithium mower, the company has decades of experience with electric products as the world’s first manufacturer of electrified mowers.

Ransomes Combines Legacy and Innovation

Ransomes Combines Legacy and Innovation

As a result, the zero-emissions, road-worthy, quiet turf maintenance solution is meticulously designed to meet the demands of professional operators on their hardest working days.

Powered by proven ELiTE Lithium Samsung SDI batteries and based on the much-loved HR380 chassis, the innovative Ransomes Aurora ELiTE ensures efficiency and longevity. The onboard, overnight charging feature means the mower is always ready for action.

When the action comes, the electric direct drive motors for the cutting system and electric-driven transaxle with auto-limited slip differential combine to deliver exceptional performance and manoeuvrability.

The electric-powered hydraulic lift and steering systems elevate the industry standard with effortless control and outstanding productivity. With a remarkable transport/mow speed of up to 25 km/hr (15 mph), tasks are completed swiftly and seamlessly.

The cutting-edge mowing deck boasts a substantial 1.52 m (60″) cut width, coupled with an adjustable cut height ranging from 25 to 115 mm (1 – 4.5″). Engineered with the utmost attention to longevity, the deck construction features a robust bull nose profile forged from high-strength steel, complete with solid bumper rails and replaceable nose wear plates. The bolted assembly of impact and serviceable parts ensures durability and ease of maintenance.

With a lightweight, high-strength steel frame, the Aurora ELiTE is built to withstand the rigours of professional use. Numerous optional accessories can be added to the machine, including a road light kit, storage racks, and mulching deck baffles to tailor it to your needs.

Ransomes Combines Legacy and Innovation

Ransomes Combines Legacy and Innovation

Visit stand F140 at SALTEX to experience the future of precision and performance first-hand and learn why the Aurora ELiTE is the best value for investment in commercial turf maintenance.

As well as viewing the new electric lithium out-front mower and the Jacobsen SLF1 ELiTE, visitors to the Ransomes stand will be able to see electric vehicles from Cushman and the Ransomes MT503 flail and cylinder mowers.

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Hunter innovation impresses The Swans

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Hunter innovation impresses The Swans: The advanced technology of Hunter Irrigation has hugely impressed Swansea City FC with Head Groundsman Evan Davies claiming it has improved the turf and simplified the irrigation process. 

As soon as Evan started his first job at a local cricket club, he knew that sports turf management was going to be his career. Over a decade later and he finds himself in the top position at the Swansea.com Stadium – home to Swansea City FC and Ospreys Rugby, in which he oversees the main stadium, the first-team training complex, and the youth academy.

Hunter innovation impresses The Swans

Hunter innovation impresses The Swans

Somewhat of a perfectionist, Evan likes to keep well informed of industry trends and technological advancements, and future planning is something he likes to see in companies that he chooses to work with:

“In my opinion, companies in this industry always need to have something next in line – the next product or innovative technology. KAR UK and Hunter Irrigation are great examples of forward-thinking companies. The development is always there. Roger Lupton (KAR UK Regional Sales Manager) is always keen to tell me what exciting new products and concepts are coming next. It’s great to see.”

The Hunter Irrigation system at the stadium, supplied by KAR UK, includes eight of the most technologically advanced commercial rotors on the market – the I-80’s.

Engineered for sports turf, the I-80 is built with a robust, dirt-tolerant gear drive that offers the highest torque output of any rotor in the commercial sphere, and extends a radius range from 11.3 to 29.6 meters. The I-80 features a wide range of highly efficient, dual-trajectory, wind-fighting nozzles for highly efficient performance in a range of applications. It also provides total top serviceability (TTS) via its integrated, surface-mounted snap-ring for no-dig easy maintenance.

“The I-80’s are incredible,” said Evan. “We are now able to get water to every area of the pitch including the wings – whereas previously we couldn’t reach them. It has made the pitch quicker and the playability better, so the manager and the coaches are happy.

Hunter innovation impresses The Swans

Hunter innovation impresses The Swans

“The TTS aspect of the rotors makes life a lot easier too. For example, before one game an away player came onto the pitch earlier than expected. He kicked a ball, and it broke one of the sprinklers. Fortunately, myself and a member of staff fixed it and put a new one in within 15 minutes. With the old sprinklers, that would have been impossible – we may have had to have the game postponed as we would have had to dig around it to replace the sprinkler.

“The ease of being able to change and service the I-80’s is a massive benefit. In fact, I can rely on any of the staff at any of the sites to be able to change the I-80 rotors if needed.”

As Evan alludes to, a Hunter Irrigation system is installed at all three of the club’s sites and Evan and his team can control the system to any of the pitches through the mobile-friendly Centralus irrigation management platform. This provides highly secure, comprehensive cloud-based control and monitoring features to the ACC2 controller. The connectivity allows users to view a controller’s status, change settings, view forecasts, save water, and receive instant notification of important system alarms — all without costly and time-consuming travel and site visits.

“It is so convenient,” said Evan. “If you are pitch side you don’t have to keep walking back and forth to control the water – you can just do it from your phone; you could be at home after just putting some fertiliser down and the rain suddenly stops – well you don’t have to drive back into work to put the water on anymore; whether it is a phone, a laptop or a tablet you can control everything.

“In the palm of your hand you can ensure that any part of any pitch gets the exact amount of water it needs. That is technology that certainly makes life easier for any groundsman.”

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

You can also follow KAR UK on Twitter @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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COVERMASTER® wins innovation award

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COVERMASTER® wins innovation award: The Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) has named COVERMASTER® as one of only three recipients of their 2022 Innovation Awards Program.

The award was presented to COVERMASTER® for its revolutionary TARPMATE AIR ROLLER™. This unique Roller system reduces the manpower to roll sports field covers on and off the playing surface. Where normally 6 persons were required for traditional plastic or steel rollers, 2-3 people can now do the job with TARPMATE AIR™.

COVERMASTER® wins innovation award

COVERMASTER® wins innovation award

In addition, once the covers are rolled onto the TARPMATE AIR™, it can be deflated, rolled up, and stacked and stored on pallets, greatly reducing storage requirements. When ready to deploy for the next application, simply unroll the TARPMATE AIR™, inflate it and roll out the cover.

With over 2,700 members, the SFMA’s Innovative Awards Task Group selects commercial company members who have developed a product, service, or technology that makes playing fields safer and more playable for athletes. Winners not only fill a need but are creative in the way they save time and resources while improving productivity, enhancing environmental protection, and improving overall efficiency.

Learn more about the award-winning COVERMASTER® Tarpmate Air Roller at https://www.covermaster.com/TarpMate-Air

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

COVERMASTER®

CANADA  100 Westmore Dr., 11-D Rexdale, ON M9V 5C3  North America Toll Free: 800-387-5808

U.S.A.   3909 Witmer Rd., Niagara Falls, NY 14305  North America Toll Free: 800-387-5808

EUROPE   Oedelestraat 1A B-8580 Avelgem Belgium   Europe: +44 (0) 2038 685082

Email: info@covermaster.com

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GroundWOW win 10th innovation award

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GroundWOW win 10th innovation award: North-West autonomous technology innovators, GroundWOW, have been announced as the winners of TheStadiumBusiness Innovation Award 2021 at Emirates Old Trafford stadium in Manchester.

Now in their 12th year, TheStadiumBusiness Awards are the only awards to recognise a whole spectrum of achievements from across the global stadium industry. The awards are nominated by the industry, for the industry recognise leadership, innovation and achievement in the design, delivery and operation of sports and entertainment facilities globally.

GroundWOW win 10th innovation award

GroundWOW win 10th innovation award

“To be nominated by the industry in such an innovation rich environment was already incredible. To actually win is an enormous and hugely valuable recognition of our development of this point” said GroundWOW’s Chief Commercial Officer, David Pritchard.

The judging panel was made up of well-respected worldwide stadium professionals and the award was presented by David Manica of MANICA Architecture; the designers of the incredible Wynn Field Club at the Allegiant Stadium home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders.

There is no better tribute to the work of GroundWOW’s talented team than to be featured on such a stellar list of organisations, projects and individuals as this one. Launched in 2019, the Stockport-based company took home their 10th innovation award for the AV/AI-driven ground printer which activates underutilised real estate.

“Congratulations to everyone who reached the podium,” commented Ian Nuttall, founder of TheStadiumBusiness Awards. “Winners included our industry’s leaders, achievers and stand-out venues, who should all be very proud of their achievements.”

JUDGES

Hundreds of nominations were whittled down to create the shortlist, judged by an independent panel of industry figures including:

  • Jacque Holowaty, VP Employee & Guest Experience, Climate Pledge Arena
  • Nick Sautner, Chief Executive Officer, The Eden Park Trust
  • Dionna Widder, Chief Revenue Officer, Houston Dynamo
  • Darren Burden, Executive Director, Kai Tak Sports Park
  • Mel Raines, EVP of Corporate Comms, Community Engagement & Facility Operations, Pacers Sports & Entertainment
  • Paul Fisher, Consultant (Former Chief Executive, Jockey Club Racecourses)
  • Christian Lau, CTO, Los Angeles FC / Banc of California Stadium
  • Andy O’Sullivan, Venue Director, Tottenham Hotspur FC
  • Ian Nuttall, CEO & Co-Founder, TheStadiumBusiness

THE 2021 WINNERS

The Winners and Shortlisted Nominees in each category are as follows:

SUSTAINABILITY & COMMUNITY AWARD

Category Winner: BeAsOne Community Program – Cagliari Calcio

Shortlisted nominees:

  • Aarhus. Ansvar. Fremtid: Strategic sustainability program – AGF Aarhus
  • The Beacon: Community Hub – Foundation of Light, Sunderland FC
  • SMISA Stadium – St Mirren FC
  • Toronto Vaccine Day: Our Winning Shot – Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
  • Wall of Honour: Ajax Fan Columbarium – PC Uitvaart/Ajax FC/Funeral Products

FAN EXPERIENCE AWARD (SPONSORED BY AVIXA)

Category Winner: Allegiant Stadium Tours – Las Vegas Raiders/BRC Imagination Arts

Shortlisted nominees:

  • 5G Test Bed at Cegeka Arena – KRC Genk, Belgium
  • Power Portal – Cleveland Cavaliers, USA
  • AberDNA & Challenger Club strategy – Aberdeen FC, Scotland
  • Warriors’ Dub Hub – Golden State Warriors, USA

INNOVATION AWARD

  • Category Winner: AV/AI-driven Ground Printer– GroundWOW

Shortlisted nominees:

  • Social Distancing Seating Tool – 3D Digital Venue
  • VenueShield™ Programme – ASM Global
  • Venue Twin – OnePlan
  • VfL Connect hospitality app – VfL Wolfsburg
  • Covid Safety Hub – Realife Tech

INTERIOR & FIT-OUT AWARD

Category Winner: Wynn Field Club at Allegiant Stadium – Las Vegas Raiders

Shortlisted nominees:

  • Cache Creek Club at Levi’s Stadium – San Francisco 49ers
  • Field Cabanas and Bungalow Suites at SoFi Stadium – LA Rams
  • Interior Preservation and Modernisation – Helsinki Olympic Stadium
  • Westview at Stamford Bridge – Chelsea FC/KSS

VENUE TECHNOLOGY

Category Winner: LED Lighting System in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium – Olympiastadion Berlin GmbH

Shortlisted nominees:

  • Infrastructure and Technology Services at Adams Park – Wycombe Wanderers FC / Landways Management
  • Nationwide EPOS Implementation – ASM Global (UK)
  • PAM Wayfinding & Touchpoints at SoFi Stadium – LA Rams/Hollywood Park
  • Technology Partners Integration at Chase Center – Golden State Warriors

PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Category Winner: Leicester City FC Training Ground – Leicester City FC

Shortlisted nominees:

  • Grand Palais Ephemere – Jean-Michel Wilmotte/GL Events/Paris2024
  • Helsinki Olympic Stadium renovation – Helsinki, Finland
  • Lynn Family Stadium – Soccer Holdings/Louisville City FC/HOK
  • Compton & Edrich Stands at Lord’s – Marylebone Cricket Club/WilkinsonEyre
  • Sahlen Field renovations – Toronto Blue Jays

SPONSORSHIP, SALES & MARKETING AWARD

Category Winner: Avicii Arena – Trygg-Hansa and Bauhaus/ASM Global/Tim Bergling Foundation

Shortlisted nominees:

  • DRV PNK Stadium – Inter Miami CF
  • The Hundred – England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)
  • ‘New Lawn’ naming rights – Forest Green Rovers FC
  • Virtual Pink Seat – Sydney Cricket Ground/McGrath Foundation/Cricket Australia

UNSUNG HERO AWARD

Category Winner: Jackie Ventura, Director of Facility Health and Hygiene, Golden State Warriors

Shortlisted nominees:

  • Danielle Snyder, Senior Vice President, Guest Services & Security, STAPLES Center
  • Lesley Spuhler, CEO, Foundation of Light (Sunderland AFC)
  • Gary Storrie, Health and Safety Manager, Formula 1
  • James Tagg, Executive Head Chef, Manchester United
  • Guy Wickett, Development Manager (En Todo), Crystal Palace FC

EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR AWARD

Category Winner: Al Guido, President, San Francisco 49ers

Shortlisted nominees:

  • Vince Cicero, SVP of Corporate Partnerships, FC Cincinnati /TQL Stadium
  • Eric Granger, General Manager, KFC Yum! Center
  • Freyja Handy, General Counsel (Europe), ASM Global
  • Joe Lacob, CEO & Co-Executive Chairman, Golden State Warriors
  • Tim Shannahan, CEO, Orangetheory Stadium

VENUE OF THE YEAR AWARD

Category Winner: SoFi Stadium

Shortlisted nominees:

  • Allegiant Stadium
  • Anfield
  • Brentford Community Stadium
  • Chase Center
  • Suncorp Stadium
  • WiZink Center Madrid

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

·       David Keirle, Chair, KSS

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GroundWOW® up for Innovation Award

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GroundWOW® up for Innovation Award: GroundWOW has been shortlisted for the Innovation Award in TheStadiumBusiness Awards 2021.

Launched in 2010, The StadiumBusiness Awards were the first industry awards for the stadium sector, by the stadium sector.

GroundWOW® up for Innovation Award

GroundWOW® up for Innovation Award

Ian Nuttall, Founder, TheStadiumBusiness said: “Now in their second decade, TheStadiumBusiness Awards continue to recognise leadership, innovation and achievement in the design, delivery and operation of sports and entertainment facilities globally.

“As our industry restarts and recovers post-pandemic, it’s vital that we look for inspiration and ideas from our colleagues around the world. Sports and entertainment businesses are now re-imagining and re-invigorating their guest experience – embracing technology, service, and creativity to deliver ever more magical moments.

“The world’s venues are the ‘memory factories’ of humanity and it is wonderful to see across all the finalists that our industry is alive with new ideas and new approaches. Venues cannot simply take fans for granted. Instead, we are seeing the industry’s best facilities continue to re-invent their offer and enhance the fan experience, connect more deeply with their communities and tackle their sustainability obligations.”

GroundWOW® up for Innovation Award

GroundWOW® up for Innovation Award

“For 2021 we have an amazing shortlist of finalists across the categories. Our expert Judging Panel will have its work cut out determining a single winner in each category ahead of our Winners’ Party in Manchester on 30 November. Meanwhile, our congratulations to all TheStadiumBusiness Awards 2021 finalists for making the cut – they are all winners and champions for our industry.”

GroundWOW’s Chief Commercial Officer, David Pritchard commented: “We are beyond thrilled for GroundWOW to be recognised with a nomination in the Innovation category of TheStadiumBusiness Awards. To be nominated by the industry at such a powerful event for the industry and in a forum that truly understands what innovation means and requires is an enormous validation of our efforts to this point”.

TheStadiumBusiness Summit takes place from November 30th to December 1st 2021.

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