COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew SC today announced that it has completed the sod installation at New Crew Stadium. The Crew worked with SubAir to implement SubAir Sport technology, including cutting-edge hydronic undersoil heating and grow lights to help create one of the most technologically advanced pitch surface in Major League Soccer. The SubAir system at New Crew Stadium can already be seen at some of the top venues across the United States, including the greens at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio.
At 225 feet wide by 360 feet long, the surface of the pitch at New Crew Stadium – which sits 22 feet below the concourse level - features Kentucky Blue Grass provided by Tuckahoe Turf Farms of Hammonton, New Jersey. The field will be surrounded by thirteen feet of synthetic turf on the sidelines and eleven feet of synthetic turf on the end lines.
“The pitch at New Crew Stadium will be the one of the most technologically advanced in Major League Soccer,” said Crew SC President & General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “In addition to creating a world-class matchday experience for supporters in the stands, it’s vital we provide our players with a world-class experience on the pitch. Given that our style-of-play values possession of the ball, it’s important the playing surface is optimal, something we have been able to accomplish thanks to our award-winning Grounds Crew. Having the SubAir Sport technology at our disposal will help the field adapt to any sudden changes in climate, ensuring that the players have a safe and consistent surface. The combination of cutting-edge pitch technology and our top-class Grounds Crew ensures that our new home will have the best pitch in the League.”
The SubAir system used in the New Crew Stadium pitch will allow it to recover faster from adverse weather conditions. With 10.66 miles of red PEX piping below the surface for heating, the SubAir Hydroponic Heating system can increase the temperature of the pitch root zone by up to 28 degrees, allowing for events played in cold conditions to occur with less buildup that normally might affect the flow of the game. Additionally, the SubAir system can drain water from the pitch in three minutes, while gravity systems usually used in stadiums can take up to 60 minutes.
The new playing surface will first be on display during Crew SC’s inaugural match at New Crew Stadium against the New England Revolution on July 3, 2021 [5:00 p.m. ET / ESPN]. Supporters interested in learning more about purchasing 2021 Season Ticket Memberships should visit CrewStadium.com, where they can see the view from each seat location along with the benefits of each section. Fans can also schedule their own private virtual tour of the New Crew Stadium with a Crew SC ticket representative.
