The new variety will allow the pitch to remain green all year round. Going forward, we will promote further utilization of the stadium not only for soccer-related businesses but also for self-managed projects and various events. In addition, we will newly develop unique maintenance methods and, along with the adoption of the new variety, aim to expand our business to other stadiums and facilities as part of the "Turf Project."
■ About the New Variety
From the 2018 season, this stadium has adopted a new variety called "Seashore Paspalum Improved." We conducted demonstration experiments for about two years within the stadium to verify its suitability. The cool-season variety we had been using previously lacked heat tolerance, making summer management difficult. However, the new warm-season variety we have now adopted shows excellent heat tolerance and has performed just as well as the conventional cool-season variety in terms of shade tolerance and cold tolerance, leading to our decision to adopt it.
■ About the Turf Project
Since 2011, Kashima Antlers FC, together with Sony Business Solutions, Sekishin Denki, and Shinshu University, has been working on the development of BRIGHTURF (*1). In 2015, they began selecting new varieties of sports turf and successfully conducted demonstration experiments of a new variety that would be key to keeping the stadium pitch green all year round. From the 2018 season, its adoption at this stadium was decided. Furthermore, they have established new techniques such as the big roll method (*2) for turf replacement in a shorter period and unique curing techniques (*3). From this fiscal year, they will begin pitch consulting business at other stadiums.
(*1) BRIGHTURF
An LED system for promoting natural grass growth. Focusing on the challenge of natural grass, where germination and growth periods are limited due to insufficient sunlight in stadium environments, this system was successfully developed and commercialized as a joint project by the four parties mentioned above. It has been introduced at this stadium since 2016.
(*2) Big Roll Method
A construction method in which turf rolled up like a carpet (big roll) is laid on the pitch. It features shorter construction and curing periods compared to conventional methods. This method has been adopted at this stadium for complete re-turfing in 2013 and 2018, and is also utilized for regular maintenance.
(*3) Curing Techniques
A system of thermal insulation sheets has been developed to achieve year-round greenery and efficient maintenance work. Warm-season grasses normally turn brown and wither in winter, but by combining this system with the existing ground temperature control system (underheating), we aim for year-round greenery.
【Turf Project Introduction Video】 (Approx. 1 minute 30 seconds)
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