High profile stadia are not the only sporting venues that face multi-use challenges, as the 70 or so delegates to the IOG’s In Action event at Leicester Tigers (rugby) learned, when Head Groundsman Steve Packwood and Stadium Manager Charles Rayner explained how this year, for example, the ground will host two pop concerts – leaving Steve and team a challenging five-week renovation period.
This revealing insight into events at the 24,000-capacity ground – sited just a stone’s throw from the Walkers (football) Stadium – was the culmination of an interesting day sponsored by Dennis, Fleet Line Markers, Harrod UK, Lloyds/Hunter Grinders, Syngenta and Rigby Taylor.
The proceedings were opened by Kevin Duffill, the IOG’s Head of Membership Services, who presented an update on IOG progress and reminded the audience about this year’s IOG National Conference and Industry Awards (November 25, Swalex Stadium, Cardiff). In particular, he urged attendees to visit www.iogawards.com to make their nominations for these prestigious Awards.
Then followed a series of informative presentations:
- Tim Colclough of Turftrax asked delegates to think deeply about ‘Renovation and Beyond’ – reminding them to determine the issues and identify the causes;
Steve Denton outlined the benefits of Rigby Taylor’s new ESP (Enhanced Seed Performance) liquid grass seed coating – and indicated how the company’s ongoing research and development programme also involves projects that look 10 years ahead; Syngenta’s Dr Simon Watson discussed ‘Optimising application’, detailing, for example, the benefits of the company’s Heritage and Primo Maxx; and ‘Cutting edge Technology’, aka mower blade grinding, was ably described by Clive Nottingham from Lloyds/Hunter Grinders, and he pointed out that back lapping is no substitute for grinding. With a host of equipment on view and a series of informative pitch-side product demonstrations by Dennis, Harrod UK and Fleet Line Markers, delegates then enjoyed a tour of the stadium before hearing about the ‘out of season’ demands placed on the groundscare team.
Published: 5/05/2010
