Rotherham United turn to world-renowned company for AESSEAL New York Stadium pitch renovation

ONE of the world’s leading pitch companies have been brought in to help Rotherham United make their award-winning surface at AESSEAL New York Stadium even better.

SISGrass have earned their reputation through their installations at some of the most famous sporting arenas across the globe.

S60 is their latest destination as the Millers seek to make a surface already widely regarded as one of the best in the Championship more resilient.

SISGrass will be integrating ‘stitching’ which will create a ‘hybrid’ pitch consisting of conventional grass and artificial turf.

Stitching involves injecting synthetic fibres to increase the stability of the natural surface and means areas that traditionally undergo the most significant wear and tear, like the goalmouths, can withstand greater use.

SISGrass football pitches have been used in the 2022 and 2018 World Cups, the Africa Cup of Nations and the UEFA Champions League and the firm, who have offices in a number of countries including the UK, are also highly respected in rugby-union circles.

Among the Premier League clubs to use them are Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham and Southampton.

Millers head groundsman Dave Fellowes said of the decision to invest: “It is great news for the club. We are very grateful to the chairman (Tony Stewart) for recognising the benefits it will provide us with as we move into another Championship campaign.

“Each year comes with various challenges presented to us by the weather and a whole host of other factors. We feel we will be better equipped than we ever have been to tackle them.”

Long-term club partner Premier Pitches are handling the usual relaying of the pitch while SISGrass’s expertise will be used for the stitching process.

In addition, New York’s irrigation system is being upgraded and new pitch-maintenance equipment is being purchased.

Work started this week and Fellowes said: “We have worked alongside Premier Pitches for a number of years. We are delighted to have them back on site again this summer.

“It is also really exciting to be welcoming SISGrass. They are a world-renowned company who have installed at every major tournament over the last few years.”

The Millers first-team squad will train at New York if bad weather hits the two pitches at their Roundwood training headquarters.