SSL deliver UK’s first ‘dry’ hockey pitch!

Fantastic to be able to deliver our 5th sports pitch project at Down Grange Sports Ground in Basingstoke, this one being a UK first with the facility being a ‘dry’ hockey pitch surface, the very latest in sustainability.

Following opening for use, the innovative pitch has accommodated training sessions with Team GB Olympic hockey players as part of their preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Historically elite level hockey players have preferred to play on wet hockey fields with slicker ball roll seen as preferable. Elite hockey fields have for some time used water cannons to provide the preferred playing surface conditions. Under environmental pressure, the industry has sought to develop hockey turfs that retain the desired characteristics, but without using water. The latest facility delivered by SSL at Down Grange Sports Complex is the very first in the UK that utilises this new surface technolgy.

A wide array of our sports industry talent and quality have been portrayed across this site with 4 different sports pitch contractors and 3 different surfacing suppliers. Each project was designed, project managed and led by SSL utilising our independent advice that enables our clients to receive the best and most competitive solutions from what the industry has to offer.

The project was led by SSL Director Wesley Bugg who commented;

“It is a pleasure to see vast improvements to the sports facilities that I used to play on growing up locally and still see when visiting family in Basingstoke and the surrounding area. SSL have longstanding experience delivering high quality hockey facilities across the UK and we are delighted to be at the forefront of the very latest innovative solution for the hockey community.”