Hybrid playing surface is the goal for new season.
MK Dons players and their opponents will be playing on a new surface next season after the start of a complete reconstruction to prepare for the 25/26 campaign.
During the summer break, Stadium MK’s pitch is undergoing a massive refurbishment involving the introduction of a state-of-the-art Hybrid GrassMax stitched playing surface, as well as a complete update to the irrigation system.
The Hybrid GrassMax system has been trusted by many elite football clubs, including Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, West Ham United, Olympique de Marseille and Villareal.
Using a combination of natural grass and artificial fibres, the unique system adopts a hybrid approach to playing surfaces and will provide the club with a high-performance surface for many years to come. The roots of the natural grass mix with the man-made fibres to create an elite playing surface with improved drainage efficiency.
“Thank you to the Chairman, Fahad Al Ghanim, and the board as we continue to drive the club forward on multiple fronts," said Neil Hart, MK Dons CEO.
“The pitch reconstruction was one of the top priorities. With a vast number of matches played at Stadium MK, not just by the first team, but the Academy and the women’s side also, it was imperative to provide the best possible surface for our players."
“Oliver (Grice-Hewitt, ground’s manager) and his team have been excellent in their efforts to get the best out of an older pitch. The field of play has needed replacing for a little while, and we’re hoping that the difference in quality will be apparent for all to see.”
“Selecting an elite pitch system such as GrassMax shows the aspiration of the direction we wish to strive in.”
“Some of the ground's staff have been here 10 years but haven't seen a reconstruction like this before,” said Oliver Grice-Hewitt.
“Firstly, we're removing the hybrid carpet which was installed years ago. Underneath that, we have a Desso stitching ground. Once both layers are removed, we're fully replacing the irrigation system before updating it to a modern version.
“The new surface will be a hybrid pitch, which me and my staff will have to grow from seed for the beginning of the season. Usually, the construction of the pitch takes around a month depending on the weather. After that, it's anything from 4 to 6 weeks to grow and develop it.”
