Industry News

St Petersburg Stadium set for new pitch ahead of Confederations Cup

The recently-opened St Petersburg Stadium in Russia will have a new pitch in time for this year’s Fifa Confederations Cup, according to organisers in the country.

The current pitch is the second one to have been laid at the new stadium after the original grass died.

However, there are still concerns over the quality of the second pitch, after it cut up badly during the two Russian Premier League matches it has hosted since its opening.

With St Petersburg Stadium one of several venues that will stage matches during the national team football tournament, including the final, organisers are keen to ensure the playing surface is in good condition.

In an effort to allay fears over the quality of the pitch, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko told the R-Sports news agency that organisers have now started the “active phase” of laying a new pitch. Mutko added that the process should be complete by June 2.

St Petersburg Stadium, the new home of Russian club Zenit St Petersburg, will also host games at next year’s Fifa World Cup, which is also due to take place in Russia.