Heracles Almelo
Description
Heracles Almelo's new synthetic turf system at the Polman Stadium is the latest (r)evolution in synthetic turf systems for football. An evolution because of the special characteristics and composition of all components of the synthetic turf system. A revolution because of the unique measurability using sensors. Heracles Almelo now has the world's first 'smart synthetic turf system'. The pitch meets the highest FIFA and UEFA standards, which are necessary for top-level football.
EVOLUTION IN ARTGRASS SYSTEMS
Thanks to the system approach of main sponsor TenCate and its design partners Edel Grass, Sekisui Alveo and Oranjewoud, a balanced system of components has been achieved. Developments have taken place in many areas in recent times, which have been incorporated into the new synthetic turf system. These include shockpad, fibre composition, infill and the method of tufting the top layer. Implementation of the synthetic turf system was carried out jointly by Edel Grass and Oranjewoud in cooperation with TenCate and the standards institutes.
The structure of the system and the interweaving of the components determine the unique playing characteristics of the synthetic turf pitch. This gives the players and technical staff of Heracles Almelo - and its opponents - the certainty they are looking for to play football at top level. The playing characteristics of the pitch were developed in close cooperation with the technical staff and players of Heracles Almelo.
With the special combination of two synthetic turf fibres - the soft, resilient TenCate Monoslide™Pro fibre and the TenCate Tapeslide™XT fibre that encapsulates the infill, among other things - and a 50 per cent higher density of the synthetic turf, the desired ball roll and ball bounce are assured for longer. The other system components - such as the infill specially developed for this pitch, the backing and geotextile from TenCate, together with the shockpad from Sekisui Alveo and the stable underlayer structure - also contribute to the characteristics and qualities of this new synthetic turf system. The resilience, pitch stability and sliding friendliness are thus secured for several years.
The new artificial grass pitch comes very close to natural grass, thanks to its playing characteristics, the appearance of the pitch and how it feels. This is important not only for the field experience during matches, but also for the televised representation of league matches.
REVOLUTION IN MEASUREMENT
Thanks to special sensors, Heracles Almelo now has an 'odometer' that measures various activities on the pitch. Such as the number of playing hours, the field load at various locations and the physical condition of the pitch. The frequency and intensity of maintenance are also measured. With this, main sponsor TenCate, together with design partners Edel Grass, Sekisui Alveo and Oranjewoud, has unleashed a revolution in measurability.
With this 'Grass Sensor System', the Polman Stadium in Almelo now has the first 'smart synthetic turf system' for football. Based on the measurement data and analyses, regular advice will be given to Heracles Almelo's sports technical staff. At the same time, this measurement data will be input for new developments and innovations in synthetic turf systems.
Heracles Almelo's new synthetic turf system bears the name Two Dimension Pro and will be marketed exclusively by Genemuiden-based Edel Grass.
Location
Heracles Almelo, Stadionlaan 1, 7606 JZ Almelo
Organiser
Region North
Name and contact details for information
Further information from ing. E. Nijenhuis at the e-mail address below.