In the dynamic world of Premier League football, where pitch conditions can make or break a game, innovation becomes key. For Ken Pryor, founder of Pitch Heating Ltd, pioneering solutions for optimal playing conditions has been a lifelong pursuit. Established in 1979, Pitch Heating Ltd has become a go-to name in the industry, especially when it comes to upgrading football pitches.
Fast forward to the present day, and Pitch Heating Ltd is working on a significant project – the modernisation of the pitches at Elland Road Stadium and Thorp Arch training grounds for Leeds United. In a sport where precision and predictability are paramount, maintaining consistent pitch conditions is not just an option; it’s a necessity.
The Evolution of Professional Pitches
Ed Chappelow, Director at Chappelow Sports Turf Limited, was entrusted with the task of providing a full pitch reconstruction at Thorp Arch. Modern professional pitches have come a long way from the simple soil pitches of the past. The new pitch construction involves layers of gravel, sand, a sand/soil mix, and a hybrid turf with stitched synthetic fibers for optimal playing conditions and grass maintenance.
However, one critical aspect that has remained constant over the years is the need for effective frost and snow prevention measures. With Leeds United aiming for Premier League standards, the training ground’s pitch is meticulously designed to replicate stadium conditions. It’s not just about the game; it’s about preparing the players for the exact surface, size, and dimensions they’ll encounter during matches.
The Challenge: Heating the Pitch Efficiently
One of the key challenges in this ambitious project was heating the pitch efficiently. In the past, electric cables were used to prevent frost and snow on pitches, but they often resulted in overheating. Ken Pryor and his team at Pitch Heating Ltd had a groundbreaking idea – why not use water-based underfloor heating systems, similar to those used in buildings, to heat the pitch?
With a revolutionary concept in hand, Pitch Heating Ltd needed reliable equipment to bring their vision to life. The remote location of Thorp Arch made connecting to the gas grid economically unviable. This is where Tuffa Tanks came into play.
