SubAir systems supported pitch performance at three of Morocco’s major football stadiums during the recent AFCON tournament, won by Senegal.
The installs by sportsturf technology specialist Bernhard and Company were completed at Grand Stade de Tangier, Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat and Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca.
The installations underpin a wider strategy by stadium operators to ensure consistent, resilient and controllable playing surfaces, capable of performing under intense scheduling, climatic pressure and global scrutiny, Bernhard states.
“Heavy rainfall, tight turnaround times and high expectations from players, broadcasters and governing bodies place significant demands on natural turf systems,” it adds.
For the turfcare teams, drainage and moisture control have been central priorities. “Drainage is critical for us,” explained Taha Hassoune, pitch manager at Stade Mohammed V. “In the past, we’ve experienced periods where rainfall overwhelmed traditional drainage systems, directly impacting firmness, playability and preparation time. By being able to pull moisture down and out through the rootzone, we’re encouraging deeper, more fibrous roots.”
Controlling critical factors
If the pitches in Morocco became too soft, the SubAir would have allowed them to dry the turf and regain firmness – crucial for football tournaments, said Steve Wilson, Bernhard’s global business development manager for turf technologies.
The world’s best stadiums were investing in SubAir because “it gives them control over moisture, firmness, recovery and consistency when it matters most”, he added. “In preparing for major international tournaments, there’s no margin for error, so having the safety net of SubAir is a huge advantage.”
Alongside SubAir, the stadiums are using Soil Scout sensors (distributed by Bernhard in the UK, Ireland and North America) to monitor moisture and temperature levels, helping turfcare teams understand changes within the profile to allow for proactive response.
The projects were delivered in collaboration with Sports Turf Maroc, one of Morocco’s leading pitch builders, “recognised for their willingness to innovate and experiment with new technologies”.
www.bernhard.co.uk