The Olympiastadion Berlin is receiving a new pitch for the upcoming Bundesliga football season. On June 24, 2014, the German Football League (DFL) will publish the new season’s match fixtures, determining which team will be the first to play against Hertha BSC on the newly laid pitch. 2015 is a true highlight for football fans in Berlin as well as Germany. After the 52nd Bundelisga season concludes, the yearly DFB Cup Final will follow on May 30. The biggest highlight will be staged just one week later, as Europe’s best club teams will square off in the 2015 UEFA Champions League Final on June 6, 2015.
The events bring with them not only the joy for fans and spectators but also the enormous responsibilities and obligations for organizers to fulfil the high standards and quality expectations that the DFL, DFB and UEFA set forth when awarding events to a host city. This doesn’t only mean a varied football year for the Olympiastadion Berlin, also to get managed the responsibility, to fulfill the high standards and quality specifications of the DFL, the DFB and UEFA.
The pitch renewal is done in six phases and will take just ten days to complete:
1) Protecting the running track with a special cover material
2) Logistical planning of (old) pitch removal
3) Milling the pitch including the sub-base layer (1-2 days)
4) Aerating, levelling and grading the pitch, renewal of the sub-base layer (1day)
5) Installation of new pitch in stretches of 1.2 metres wide and 15 metres long (1-2 days)
6) Initial treatment of new pitch
Head greenkeeper Alan Cairncross will keep a watchful eye on the proceedings, determining the quality of the pitch upon delivery to the Olympiastadion Berlin by measuring temperature and pH factor as well as checking on the color of the pitch in order to ensure it’s the perfect green. His many years of experience help him greatly in noticing the smallest of details and thus being able to provide the football stars with optimum conditions.
From June 23, 2014 on, everyone can get a glimpse of the newly installed pitch at the Olympiastadion Berlin. Interested visitors have the opportunity to explore the Olympiastadion via individual viewings or guided tours on a daily basis.
Further information is available on our facebook page Olympiastadion Berlin.
