Work has begun to replace the 3G pitch at the Gallagher Stadium, home to UK National League South team Maidstone United FC. It will be the third artificial turf pitch to be laid at the home of the Stones since the venue opened in July 2012.
The removal of the existing surface and laying of a new state-of-the-art pitch is due to take between three and five weeks, subject to weather conditions. FieldTurf will be carrying out the work.
This project, which will cost approximately £250,000 (US$ 318,275), has been funded by FA Cup prize money. Last season the Stones made it to the fifth round of the FA Cup and received £700,000 (US$ 891,169).
The Gallagher Stadium was the first venue in the country to be constructed with a 3G pitch from the outset. Using an artificial pitch enables the club to train on it and rent it out during the week, making extra revenue.
In the past few years, countless clubs across the country have followed suit and opted to swap to artificial turf to maximise the community and financial benefits that such surfaces provide.
