A new pitch will be installed at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland, in time for the Scottish League Cup soccer final on March 13.
The national stadium, which hosts Scotland matches and music concerts, has been relaid four times in seven years due to criticism that it is unsafe for players.
The playing surface was relaid and the irrigation system upgraded in 2009 and, in 2014, the pitch was removed as part of the conversion to an athletics arena for the Commonwealth Games.
Hampden Park managing director Peter Dallas said, “While the best efforts of the ground staff have ensured Hampden’s playability, nonetheless, with a series of showpiece matches due to take place this spring, the board of HPL has taken the proactive decision to provide the best possible conditions for these matches.”
After the restoration of the playing surface following the Commonwealth Games in 2014, the pitch failed to bed in properly because of heavy rainfall.
The problems with the playing surface have been further exacerbated by Scottish League Two side Queen’s Park FC, which plays its fixtures at the national stadium.
Dallas confirmed work will begin on relaying the surface immediately after Queen’s Park’s fixture with Berwick Rangers on March 5.
February 26, 2016
