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Glasgow’s Scotsoun Stadium is set to become the latest stadium to don an artificial pitch
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The change is happening to ensure it retains its position as a centre of excellence for rugby and athletics and continues to meet the needs of the wider sporting community
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Councillors on Glasgow City Council’s Executive Committee will this week be asked to approve the investment works
Glasgow Warriors Scotsoun Stadium is set for a major upgrade with a brand new artificial pitch as it aims continues to meet the needs of the wider sporting community.
Councillors on Glasgow City Council’s Executive Committee will this week be asked to approve the investment works, which will see a synthetic playing surface installed, improve athletics and rugby training facilities, create a new events throws area and improve the existing outdoor running track.
The existing pitch and grass areas at Scotstoun Stadium has been severely affected during recent winters with heavy rain and snowfall rendering it unusable for long periods due to poor drainage.
During the 2015/16 rugby season Glasgow Warriors were unable to play three matches at Scotstoun and a fourth game was postponed, while there was little or no use by athletics clubs during this period due to the weather.
Cardiff Blues, Saracens and Newcastle Falcons have already made the switch to artificial surfaces in recent seasons, while Worcester Warriors also plan to change this summer
As part of the planned investment the existing 400m outdoor running track will be improved along with associated drainage works. The improvements will also benefit Victoria Park City of Glasgow Athletics Club and increase the current window for athletics events (April to September as opposed to June to August).
The project will be funded by Glasgow City Council, Scottish Rugby/Glasgow Warriors and sportscotland.
Speaking to glasgowwarriors.org, Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said: “It’s fantastic news that we’re close to securing a brand new pitch at Scotstoun for next season.
“We’ve played a lot on the Cardiff Arms Park surface over the last few years and we enjoyed playing on the Rugby Park pitch last season.
“We aim to play high tempo rugby and this state-of-the-art artificial surface will help us produce a faster game.”