Loughborough University reveals new world-class sports fields on campus

Loughborough University has unveiled its new state-of-the-art sports fields, installed by world-leading sports surface provider and field partner, SIS Pitches.

Installed in summer 2019, the new elite-level water-based hockey surface is the first of its kind in the UK and has been designed specifically to encourage speed of play. The full-size field harnesses the latest innovations and was manufactured at the company’s state-of-the-art £1.8m headquarters in Cumbria.

The SIS Grass Synthetic Xcel Ultra surface is the product of SIS Pitches’ continuous pursuit of high-quality and innovative surfaces. The combination of a high-grade polyethylene polymer, 10-ended texturized yarn and optimized turf construction provides a truly elite-level system, with exceptional ball speed and uniformity, as well as outstanding durability.

SIS Pitches has also recently installed SISGrass hybrid technology into the newly built field at the Loughborough University Stadium. The field consists of 95 percent natural grass supported with 5 percent synthetic fibers and is the same style of field as used at the 2018 World Cup.

The soccer pitch was the first in the UK to be installed using a new-to-market, 100% electric machine from SIS Grass. This innovation can stitch a full-size soccer field in just seven days, a huge step forward in reducing the environmental footprint of each field installation.

SIS Pitches has been named as the official partner for all Loughborough University’s stadium fields. As part of this remit, it will also sponsor the women’s hockey first team in a multi-year deal, following last season’s promotion to the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division.

We are thrilled with the installation of a new elite level playing surface here at Loughborough. The field is designed to the highest possible standard, ensuring matches are fast-paced and exciting to both play in and for spectators to watch. The squad achieved fantastic things last season which culminated in promotion to the Premier Division and winning British Universities College Sport (BUCS) gold. It’s brilliant news for everyone involved that we have the surface to continue with this momentum for the new campaign

Brett Holland, Women’s Hockey Performance Head Coach

The new pitch will take our football offer to the next level and help showcase the excellent facilities we already have on offer. The durability of the surface will give more opportunities for our students to experience playing at the stadium, which will undoubtedly help their personal development as footballers

Richard Allen, Director of Football, Loughborough University

Loughborough University are the leading sports University in the UK and one of the leading institutions worldwide in relation to research, technology and performance in sport. This partnership represents a unique opportunity for us to work together with Loughborough University’s elite staff and athletes to maximise our product quality, delivery, service and to conduct key research into athlete performance and interaction with natural, hybrid and synthetic surfaces in a variety of sports

Joe Shaw, Sales Manager at SIS Pitches

SIS Pitches made headlines in 2018, when SIS Grass Hybrid fields were used at six of the stadiums for the World Cup in Russia. Following this, the company has provided fields for all major sporting tournaments across the globe, including the 2019 Rugby World Cup, 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, and the 2018 UEFA Champions League.

The company has also recently installed the playing surfaces at FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou, alongside the La Liga side’s first-team training field.

Loughborough Hockey’s first game to be held on the new surface will be in the Investec Women’s Hockey League’s Premier Division on Saturday, September 14th against reigning champions, Surbiton.

The first game on the new Loughborough University Stadium field will also take place in September 2019.