Tag Archive for: SIS

SIS Pitches completes new hybrid pitch in Reykjavik

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SIS Pitches completes new hybrid pitch in Reykjavik: Global leader in sports surfaces SIS Pitches has completed the installation of a bespoke new hybrid pitch system at Laugardalsvöllur, Iceland’s national football stadium in Reykjavik.

The full design and construction of the new pitch will maximise elite-level football in Iceland, where the country’s subpolar climate has historically made high-standard playing surfaces difficult to maintain. The completion of the project builds on SIS Pitches’ status as the leading pitch builder in Iceland following its successful construction of the pitch at FH Hafnarfjorour in 2023.

SIS Pitches completes new hybrid pitch in Reykjavik

SIS Pitches completes new hybrid pitch in Reykjavik

Laugardalsvöllur’s full hybrid grass pitch benefits from three of SIS Pitches’ advanced concepts, each working in unison to keep the surface play-ready all year round. The SIS Grass Hybrid system features a 95% natural grass surface reinforced with polyethylene fibres to deliver significantly more playing hours than a fully natural pitch, which is especially important given Iceland’s harsh temperatures, high rainfall and limited daylight.

Installed below the pitch itself is the SIS Aqua pop-up irrigation system and the SIS Heat undersoil heating system, which optimises the temperature of the rootzone, encouraging better root growth and reduce the risk of long-term damage. The installation is completed by a bespoke irrigation and undersoil heating system.

Part-funded by the city of Reykjavik, the project was completed over a period of three months. During this period, the installation team successfully navigated challenges posed by snow, ice and temperatures as low as -16°C. Access to the site was also limited in December – a time when good daylight in Iceland can be as little as two hours per day.

After excavating the existing playing area 450mm down to a formation level, the new drainage, irrigation and undersoil heating systems were installed. This was followed by the installation of a lower rootzone, an upper rootzone and the playing surface itself, which benefits from the structured profile underneath.

The hybrid grass fibres were installed to a depth of 180mm and stitched at 2cm x 2cm spacing, increasing the long-term durability of the playing surface. All materials used through the profile of the pitch were tested before being independently verified by leading sports agronomists, OBI Sports, to ensure conformity with industry standards and high performance over their lifespan. The dedicated support provided by SIS Pitches’ team of experts to the stadium’s grounds staff during the grow-in stage ensured no issues were encountered during the quick turnaround from seeding to the first competitive fixture.

Carlos Reis, Director at SIS Pitches, said: “The project was a challenging one due to Iceland’s tough climate, but we always thrive on overcoming challenges. It was a real privilege to bring an elite level playing surface to Iceland’s national stadium. The configuration of the new hybrid pitch will power more play all year round, helping the country to further grow its footballing profile on the international stage.

Michael Walker, International Sales Manager at SIS Pitches, added: “Iceland isn’t necessarily conducive to the effective growth of natural grass, so the hybrid profile really is the ideal solution. Ultimately, it will mean a pitch free of discrepancies, promising uninterrupted play for the Icelandic national team.”

For more information on SIS Pitches’ sports pitch installation services, visit sispitches.com.

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SIS Pitches Approve Campey™ Universe® rotor

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SIS Pitches Approve Campey™ Universe® rotor: The Campey™ Universe® rotor from Campey Turf Care Systems has become a featured and approved method of SIS Grass renovation by SIS Pitches, which is the world’s leading provider of stitched hybrid pitches.

SIS Grass has become the go-to option for clubs and federations worldwide in football and rugby, with every major tournament, from the World Cup and European Championship to the Champions League and Premier League, featuring the surface.

SIS Pitches Approve Campey™ Universe® rotor

SIS Pitches Approve Campey™ Universe® rotor

A significant part of SIS Grass’ success has come through innovation and testing. To get the best consistency and longevity from the system, SIS Pitches has constantly researched ways to keep it at its best, with the Campey Universe® Rotor fitted to the Koro FIELDTOP MAKER (FTM) playing a leading role.

Extensive time and research have gone into the finessing of the Campey™ Universe® rotor for use on hybrid systems, with it now being used worldwide by contractors and end-users to ensure the quality of their pitches.

Group Board Director at SIS Pitches, Ivo Lamot, has worked to develop the hybrid system into a world-leading product, and fully endorses the use of the Universe® rotor on the hybrid surfaces.

“SIS Grass is a world leading stitched hybrid system that is truly innovative, and the Campey™ Universe® rotor has kept pace with that innovation to become an integral part of getting the best from SIS Grass,” he explained.

“At SIS, we’re committed to providing a product that can be used for multiple seasons while always performing at its peak, and a big part of that is the maintenance. Renovations occur yearly, and by using the Campey™ Universe® rotor, all the organic material can be removed without damaging the fibres, leaving the perfect base. That is why we have officially approved the Campey™ Universe® rotor.”

It is an exceptional tool for maintaining and rejuvenating hybrid pitches, combining precision and efficiency to meet the unique demands of these innovative playing surfaces. SIS Grass, a blend of 95% natural grass and synthetic fibres, require specialised care to ensure optimal performance, durability, and player safety. As an attachment to the Koro® FTM®, the Campey Universe® Rotor offers the perfect solution for targeted surface management without damaging the synthetic components of hybrid systems.

This rotor is equipped with specially designed tungsten-tipped blades that are strategically spaced to remove organic matter, thatch, and surface debris with precision. When used on hybrid pitches, it effectively addresses the accumulation of organic material, which can compromise drainage and stability if left untreated. By operating at adjustable depths, the rotor can delicately remove unwanted material without disturbing the synthetic fibres or the underlying structure of the hybrid system.

One of the significant advantages of using the Campey™ Universe® rotor on hybrid pitches is its ability to preserve the natural grass while enhancing the interface between the natural and synthetic components. The process improves aeration and drainage, which encourages healthy grass growth by creating an ideal environment for root development.

Additionally, it facilitates a clean and even surface, preparing the pitch for essential follow-up treatments such as overseeding or topdressing. These procedures are critical for hybrid pitches, as they rely on consistent and sustainable natural grass cover to complement the synthetic elements.

Using the Campey™ Universe® rotor, groundsmen can maintain the integrity and performance of hybrid pitches, ensuring they meet the rigorous standards of professional sports. Its precision and adaptability make it an invaluable tool for extending the lifespan and playability of these high-tech surfaces.

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SIS Pitches announces major project

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SIS Pitches announces major project: SIS Pitches, the team behind the World Record-breaking Kingdom Arena pitch, has announced it is set to deliver a major project in Saudi Arabia.

SIS Pitches, which produces premium hybrid, synthetic and natural pitches for an array of sports, has announced its partnership with Aramco Stadium in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The project reflects the brand’s commitment to delivering high-quality sports facilities in the region.

SIS Pitches announces major project

SIS Pitches announces major project

As part of the project, the SIS Pitches team will design and build a hybrid grass football stadium pitch, complete with an SIS Air classic vacuum and ventilation system, and two natural grass training pitches. Works will also include associated irrigation and drainage and pitch accessories. With design development completed to be completed by January 31st, the stadium and training pitches should be finalized in 2026.

The project will benefit from the proximity of SIS Pitches’ local turf farm in Saudi Arabia, guaranteeing a quick supply of high-quality, locally grown grass. Grass from Saudi farms will be installed specifically for the Aramco Stadium works and is due to be operational from April 2025.

David Ball, Managing Director at SIS Middle East, said: “A year on from the Kingdom Arena, our flagship project for the region, we’re thrilled to be able to announce another major project.

“Demand for high-quality sports surfaces in the region has skyrocketed in recent years. This project will be the perfect opportunity for us to help support Middle Eastern sports and showcase our wide offering – from pitch design and construction to irrigation and ventilation – across a range of disciplines, including football and cricket.

“We’re looking forward to unveiling our design for the Aramco Stadium very soon.”

SIS Pitches made its first foray into the Middle East in Dubai, UAE, in 2011. After recognizing a growing appetite for high-level professional sports – and the resulting increased need for cutting-edge surfaces – the brand established a dedicated SIS Pitches office in Saudi Arabia in July 2023.

Within weeks of establishing the Saudi Arabia office, the team at SIS Pitches undertook one of the world’s most ambitious sporting infrastructure projects to complete the Kingdom Arena – the world’s first fully indoor hybrid pitch, famously built in just 21 days – in partnership with Sela.

For more information on SIS Pitches, visit sispitches.com/uae/

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SIS Pitches celebrates record year

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SIS Pitches celebrates record year: The UK’s leading sports manufacturer, SIS Pitches has announced it has secured a patent for its new machine, rounding off an exceptional year.

A patent has been granted for the vacuum mechanism ‘Revolution’ machines, made by SIS Pitches to produce premium hybrid pitches for an array of sports. The machine is the first of its kind, allowing the manufacturer to stitch pitches at variable depths, offering more flexibility to clubs and sports facilities.

SIS Pitches celebrates record year

SIS Pitches celebrates record year

The patent is the latest addition on a long list of achievements for SIS Pitches in 2024 – the company’s most successful year to date. In addition to investing £500,000 in its Maryport factory for new tufting machines and solar panels, and growing its overall employee headcount by 20% since January, the company has opened four new offices globally. These are located in Poland, India, Saudi Arabia and Georgia, in order to meet rising demand locally.

Earlier this year, one of SIS Pitches’ major pitch maintenance projects in the Middle East, the Kingdom Arena, in Riyadh, built in partnership with Sela, won two Guinness World Records for the largest covered football stadium and the highest capacity for an indoor covered stadium. The stadium itself was the first ever indoor grass pitch grown entirely without natural sunlight.

In India, the SIS Pitches team installed the country’s first hybrid cricket pitch – a SIS Grass Hybrid product tried and tested across the English game – marking the beginning of a series of projects in the country. The manufacturer, working with Greater Ten locally, used its own ‘Universal’ machine to stitch hybrid cricket pitches in locations including the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala.

Other major projects won by SIS Pitches this year include names football fans around the world will recognise immediately, including Manchester City Football Club, MLS’ Chicago Fire, as well as Iceland National Stadium and Uganda Athletics and Football. The company also made significant forays into other sports internationally, securing projects with Baseball United to build the first professional baseball ballpark in the Middle East and South Asia, as well as Aramco Stadium in Saudi Arabia.

The manufacturer also toasted two news milestones, joining the Green Sports Alliance, cementing its commitment to promote sustainability, and ESTC, the trade association for the Synthetic Turf Industry in the EMEA region.

To top things off, one of SIS Pitches’ installations took centre stage at this year’s Paris Olympics. The Stade de France, which features a hybrid SIS Grass pitch, was the chosen venue for a handful of disciplines, including rugby sevens and athletics.

SIS Pitches owner and founder George Mullan said: “I’m incredibly grateful for our team’s hard work and commitment this year – none of this would have been possible without them.

“2024 was a year of many ‘firsts’ for us, and one we’ll remember for a very long time. We’ve grown immensely, as a group – opening new offices abroad, working with some of the biggest names in sports and continuing to lead from the front when it comes to innovating.

“We’ve not forgotten our roots, however. The investment in our Maryport factory is a symbol of our commitment to British quality and expertise, and will enable us to meet the growing demand when it comes to high-quality sports surfaces, both nationally and internationally.”

SIS Pitches has also shared some of its plans for 2025. The manufacturer is readying to launch its innovative dry hockey solution widely in the second quarter. The surface, developed by the organisation’s experts, features a unique technology to replicate the properties of a water-based system without using a water ball, which can hinder the flow of play.

A US office is also in the works, and it was announced that current SIS Grass Managing Director, Ivo Lamot would become the company’s new Chief Executive, with owner and founder George Mullan stepping to Executive Chairman. Other major appointments also include Luke Edwards, set to become Chief Innovation Officer, while Rob Hope will continue on as Chief Operating Officer. SIS Pitches also underwent a rebrand earlier in the year and is set to launch its new website next year, focused on its philosophy of ‘Powering more play’.

George added: “Our business has evolved in the last few years, and with our new goals to expand to new markets, our structure had to follow too.

“Our ambition is to make 2025 an even bigger year, so I’m excited to have Ivo lead on the delivery of our shared vision, along with Rob and Luke.”

For more information about SIS Pitches, go to sispitches.com

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SIS Pitches announce Saudi Arabia ambitions

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SIS Pitches announce Saudi Arabia ambitions: The team behind the World Record-breaking Kingdom Arena pitch, SIS Pitches, has shared its ambitious long-term plans to expand into Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.

SIS Pitches, which produces premium hybrid, synthetic and natural pitches for an array of sports, including football, rugby, golf, tennis and cricket, made its first foray in the Middle East in 2011 in Dubai UAE.

SIS Pitches announce Saudi Arabia ambitions

SIS Pitches announce Saudi Arabia ambitions

Recognising a growing appetite for high-level professional sports, and the growing need for cutting edge surfaces, the sports surface specialist established a Saudi Arabia office in July last year. Within weeks, they undertook one of the world’s most ambitious sporting infrastructure projects to complete the Kingdom Arena – the world’s first fully indoor hybrid pitch, famously built in just 21 days – in partnership with Sela.

So far, SIS Pitches has invested more than 1.3M SAR ($370,000) into the region – with Saudi Arabia now firmly established as a country key to the business’s long-term plans.

The company has opened three maintenance depots across the country in Tabuk, Jeddah and Riyadh, all designed to cater to local professional teams, including Neom FC, Al Ahli-FC and Al-Hilal FC. Those will also enable SIS Pitches to undertake major maintenance and pitch care projects in the Kingdom, which have previously included the Italian and Spanish Super Cups at King Fahd Stadium and Al-Awwal Park.

Additionally, two new turf farms have opened in Saudi Arabia and Turkey, joining the already established UAE site, to grow high-resilience turf, guaranteeing efficient costs and turf health to support major projects in the region. This includes high-level pitches and surfaces for a range of sports – from rugby and football to equestrian sports and cricket – as well as commercial landscaping.

The current team, which is 40 people strong, is also expected to grow to 60 people in the next year.

David Ball, Managing Director at SIS Middle East, said: “Over the past five years, Saudi Arabia has clearly established itself as a key destination for some of the world’s biggest athletes. People’s love of sports here is apparent, and there’s been a real appetite for the high-standard facilities to rival those of major European teams.

“The opening of our Saudi Arabia office last year reflects our commitment to establish ourselves in the region, bringing our experience working with some of the most recognisable names in sports to the Kingdom’s professional teams and supporting them as they step onto the international stage. Being local also means we can offer a speedy, domestic solution throughout a full season of sport.

“This is a pivotal moment for sports in the region,” David added. “We’re looking forward to helping the Kingdom make history.”

SISGrass, which offers hybrid playing surfaces using a small percentage of polymer fibre stitched into a natural grass pitch, is part of the SIS Group, a fully international business with offices around the world, including UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Turkey and the Middle East. The product forms part of SIS’s wider portfolio of sports surface solutions, which includes the artificial variant SISGrass Synthetic, made with a choice of monofilament or fibrillated yarns – or a mixture of the two – plus thatch support yarn and surfaces developed specifically for athletics tracks.

For more information on SISTurf, visit: www.sispitches.com/services/synthetic-turf-manufacturing

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