Thousands of synthetic fibers woven into the natural grass, up to 14 cm deep into the turf, and a rigorous test during the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The new hybrid turf at the Władysław Król Municipal Stadium in Łódź has already hosted 12 matches in 12 days. The technology used ensures its durability.
Natural grass with additional reinforcement
At first glance, it doesn’t look much different from classic natural turf. The key difference, however, lies a few centimeters below the surface. Synthetic fibers have been mechanically woven into the natural grass, extending about 14 cm into the plant and root layers.
There are between 12,000 and as many as 20,000 fibers per square meter. The grass roots grow between them, creating a durable bond between the natural root system and the synthetic reinforcement. This design increases the stability of the turf and allows it to withstand sliding, intense play, and consecutive matches played in quick succession much better.
In Łódź, the SIS Grass Hybrid technology from SIS Pitches was installed; this technology has been used for years at leading European stadiums. Among others, San Siro and Camp Nou, as well as Premier League stadiums, use this solution.
Photo by Radosław Żydowicz
Greater durability, better conditions for the grass
The hybrid design combines the advantages of natural grass with the additional properties of synthetic reinforcement. The fibers stabilize the root zone while improving water and air flow in the soil. This is important not only for the surface’s durability but also for its day-to-day condition.
"The fibers form a kind of mesh in the root layer, into which the roots intertwine. This makes the turf significantly stronger and more resistant to slipping and heavy use, while also allowing for better water and air permeability," says Andrzej Trojan, turf maintenance manager at MAKiS.
Better aeration and drainage also help reduce the formation of the so-called “black layer”—an unfavorable zone that can develop in the soil when there is insufficient oxygen. For those responsible for turf maintenance, this means better conditions for root system development and grass regeneration.
A Test from Day One
From the very beginning, the new turf was designed with this facility in mind, where the turf must withstand a large number of events. This year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup is therefore an exceptionally rigorous test for it.
Playing 12 matches in 12 days is a demanding schedule even for the MAKiS team. Every day, the staff monitors the condition of the turf, performs the necessary maintenance, and prepares it for the next matches.
“With such intensive use, traditional turf wouldn’t stand a chance of maintaining adequate quality. This technology handles the strain very well. Another major advantage is its cost-effectiveness. Turf restoration is up to 10 times cheaper than completely replacing it,” adds Andrzej Trojan.
It is precisely this ability to be repeatedly restored and reused that is one of the solution’s key advantages. The hybrid turf was designed not as a surface for a single tournament, but as part of the stadium’s infrastructure for future seasons.
An Investment That Stays in Łódź
The renovation of the Municipal Stadium’s turf was carried out in three stages. First, the existing vegetation was removed; then, new natural grass was laid; and the final stage involved mechanically weaving synthetic fibers into it.
The entire project, which cost approximately 1.2 million PLN, was funded by FIFA. Importantly, the new turf will remain at the Municipal Stadium even after the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup concludes. It will therefore continue to be used during future sporting events and matches held in Łódź.
For now, she still has the most important matches of the tournament ahead of her.
- The quarterfinals will take place on September 20
- September 23: Semifinals
- September 26: Third-place game
- The final is on September 27.
So the rigorous testing of the new hybrid turf isn't over yet. However, one thing that speaks in its favor is that, after 12 games in 12 days, it's still in very good condition.
