The Vitality Stadium has become the latest high profile ground to introduce the SISGrass hybrid system, following the Luzhniki Stadium, home of the 2018 World Cup final in Russia.


AFC Bournemouth's new pitch

In a rare move for the industry, work to transform the pitch was carried out with the season well underway and was completed in just 10 days this November.

British company SIS Pitches installed the revolutionary SISGrass system into the existing turf surface. It will make the Cherries the first side in the top flight to use the latest hybrid pitch technology for competitive fixtures.

The laser-guided installation boasts 95% natural turf alongside 5% specially designed PE yarn, stitched into ground. SIS says the new pitch will offer increased pitch stability and delivers considerably more playing hours than a natural grass surface.

AFC Bournemouth’s Head Groundsman Robin Wilcox commented, “The new pitch looks great and feels fantastic underfoot.

“A good playing surface is crucial when it comes to performance and preventing injuries and I’m sure the squad will reap the benefits as we head into the second half of the season.”

SIS Pitches UK Project Director, Phil Blackwell, echoed Robin’s sentiment, adding: “We’re delighted to be making Premier League history with AFC Bournemouth by providing them with a new hybrid pitch.

“Any pitch installation takes time and with such a tight deadline, we knew we had to rise to the challenge to ensure that the pitch would be ready for the team ahead of the first game on December 4th."

The first game played on the new surface saw Bournemouth stage a remarkable comeback against title-hopefuls Liverpool, eventually emerging 4-3 winners.