Premier League club becomes the first to install a hybrid pitch

AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium has become the first Premier League football ground to install a part artificial pitch.

The club has installed the SISGrass hybrid system, which combines 95 per cent natural turf with five per cent yarn stitched into the ground.

British firm SIS Pitches has developed the technology, which is also being used at the Vodafone Arena in Istanbul and Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium – the venue for the 2018 FIFA World Cup final.

Robin Wilcox, AFC Bournemouth’s head groundsman, said the pitch will go towards “preventing injuries”.

“We’re delighted to be making Premier League history with AFC Bournemouth by providing them with a new hybrid pitch,” added SIS Pitches UK project director Phil Blackwell.

Although SIS Grass is making its top flight stadium debut, the surface has been installed at the training grounds of Chelsea, Hull City, Fulham, Derby County, Athletic Bilbao, FC Barcelona and St George’s Park – the home of the Football Association (FA).