How Are 3g Pitches Made?

Artificial sports pitches have reduced many of the problems outdoor sports face including, but not limited to, the wet weather and flooding, the insects and weed issues, the uneven playing field and the costly and time-consuming sports pitch maintenance. In the 1960s, the first iteration of artificial turf was invented and quickly discarded due to the painful texture and stiff nylon fibre. Debuted in 1980, by the Queens Park Rangers, the latest method of sports pitch construction also proved too dangerous for use as players suffered serious injuries and burns while playing. The surface was considered too bouncy to give a realistic feel to the game. Ultimately, artificial pitches were banned until the new method of 3G pitch construction combined an authentic feel and safe fibres, becoming the favourite choice of professional and semi-professional teams alike. Pitches filled with only sand are still used for hockey, but generally have been deemed to dangerous for football and rugby. 

After these various iterations over time, the third generation (3G) artificial pitches have been designed to make the playing experience as authentic as possible while keeping the pitch itself as versatile and low-maintenance as possible. Sports pitch construction combines scientific innovation and durable materials to create hard-wearing surfaces with the player’s safety at the forefront. 3G pitches are created using a blend of grass-like fibres woven tightly into a backing. The fibres are coated with silicone and longer than previous versions, so they have better shock absorption and traction. Unlike older pitches, usually filled with sand, 3G pitches are filled with a mixture of sand and rubber granules. The sand helps absorb water and reduce flooding, significantly decreasing the required sports pitch maintenance. The rubber also helps to keep the fibres upright and make the surface less abrasive. The rubber is generally made from recycled car tires, making it more sustainable and environmentally friendly. The turf is then laid upon a stone or tarmac base and sealed down. 

For professional teams, the tarmac base makes the pitch more versatile and flexible to different player’s abilities as well as giving it a realistic springy surface. This also minimises sports pitch maintenance as the surface is more resistant to damage caused by football spikes. While it is true that 3G pitch construction creates low-maintenance surfaces, tasks like infilling the turf with more sand or rubber and pest control must be carried out as a part of regular maintenance. Pitches should also be lightly cleaned regularly and deep cleaned annually to remove any dust or debris building up between the synthetic fibres. Any organic plant growth within the turf should also be removed to reduce any risk of players slipping. 

In 2010, the new 4G pitches began to grow in popularity. Till then, artificial sports pitch construction had only contained synthetic fibres but 4G pitches have started combining natural grass fibres with synthetic fibres. The artificial fibres are injected deep in between the grass roots with the intention of them tangling and becoming firmly attached to the soil base. This means of production is more expensive than 3G pitch construction but lasts longer and requires less maintenance. However, for most teams, a 3G pitch serves its purpose and a hybrid pitch is too expensive upfront and not worth the investment. These pitches have not yet been widely accepted or satisfied the FIFA safety requirements. It has even been stated that 4G pitches do not actually exist, and the term has only been used as a marketing tactic. As of right now, 3G pitches are the most advanced artificial sports surfaces available as well as being the safest and most enjoyable option for players.