A new DESSO pitch system, which intertwines grass turf with millions of artificial fibres, will be installed as part of a major refurbishment project to revolutionise the quality of the playing surface at the home of Welsh rugby in time for the 2014 Dove Men Series clashes against Australia (8 Nov), Fiji (15 Nov), New Zealand (22 Nov) and South Africa (29 Nov).
WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis said: “This is a momentous day for the Welsh Rugby Union as this work will revolutionise the playing field at the Millennium Stadium and transform the venue to a level that rivals any other in Europe.
“As contractors start to arrive at work today with the relevant plant and machinery, this project will literally be ground-breaking, as we set about completing the greatest renovation undertaking in the stadium’s history in time for a feast of Autumn Test matches and, in just over one year, Rugby World Cup 2015.”
From today a construction fence marks out the site that was once the unique palletized pitch on which the Welsh rugby team have played 100 rugby matches in front of more than 6.25 million fans.
As the project makes headway this week, up to 20 contractors with their various plant are expected to arrive on site, initiating the regular deliveries scheduled for throughout the summer.
The project will be the greatest undertaking in the history of the Millennium Stadium, which has staged over 350 major events since it first opened to host Rugby World Cup 1999.
The new surface is set to be in place for the 2014/15 season; one year to go until Rugby World Cup 2015 brings eight games, including two of Wales’ pool games and two quarter finals, to the Millennium Stadium.
The multi-million pound renovation also includes the installation of the latest ‘plug and play’ technology for broadcasters at all sides of the pitch and a Terraplas cover to protect the new DESSO surface.
The project opens up a host of new and exciting opportunities for grassroots rugby in Wales as well as serving the must-visit, must-play venue across a range of non-pitch events such as live music and motorsports.
Mr Lewis added: “The new pitch system has the potential to benefit the entire breadth of Welsh rugby, as a more durable pitch at the home of Welsh sport unleashes far greater potential to showcase the grassroots game on Wales’ national turf. The new Terraplas covering is also hugely significant and will ensure that the WRU can continue to attract a plethora of the biggest and best events to the Millennium Stadium and the heart of Cardiff.”
