Major improvements to Blackpool FC’ stadium and training have followed the install of a fresh irrigation system, reports head groundsman Paul Flynn.
Hunter irrigation products “have transformed operations, saving time, improving turf quality and supporting player performance”, he says.
Before the installation, by Arden Lea Irrigation, Paul and his team relied on standpipes and travelling sprinklers – “a time-consuming, inefficient process”.
“We were wasting 20 to 25 hours a week just watering pitches by hand. I told the club they’d claw back that time within a year if we invested in irrigation – and that’s exactly what’s happened.”

First phase
The first phase of installing the Hunter system, supplied by Kar UK, began at the training ground, where it’s now fully operational across the main pitches and the sports science area. LAt the stadium, work is ongoing, with Hunter I80-ON sprinklers already replacing older, underperforming units.
Blackpool’s system includes a Hunter ACC2 controller with Centralus, GT-885, and I80-ON sprinklers, the controller allowing Paul and his deputy to manage irrigation directly from their phones or via a roaming remote.
“We can press a button and water exactly where we want, whenever we want,” Paul explains. “It makes growing, training preparation and recovery simple. We’ve now have around 62 heads across the site, so we can literally water every blade of grass.”
The I80-ON heads at Bloomfield Road Stadium have already improved coverage and performance compared to the old system, Paul adds. The GT-885s at the training ground “provide strength, durability and easy access for maintenance – crucial for a high-use facility”.

Performance and safety
Player welfare and training quality have improved too. “Some areas were rock hard, which contributed to calf and hamstring injuries,” recalls Paul. “Now we can keep surfaces consistent, which makes a huge difference for performance and safety.”
Managers have also benefitted, with the ability to prepare pitches to replicate match conditions. “The current manager says the training pitches now resemble the stadium pitch, meaning we can mirror match situations and even put the sprinklers on during sessions to improve ball speed – something we could never do before.”

Wider sporting benefits
The old irrigation kit has been donated to Blackpool Cricket Club, strengthening community ties and ensuring wider benefit from the project.
With the training ground fully upgraded and stadium improvements ongoing, Paul believes the irrigation will continue to play a vital role in Blackpool FC’s future.
“The health of the pitches has never been better. It’s more efficient, saves us time, and helps the players perform.”
www.karuk.com