City of Manchester Stadium

Beneath the lush green infield surface at the 2002 commonwealth games stadium was several thousand tonnes of carefully selected materials that allowed athletes to perform at their best despite Manchesters infamous weather.

Because it was planned to remove the infield following the games, to allow additional seating for the new occupiers, Manchester City FC, a modified pitch construction was installed. This would enable simple removal and minimal contamination of the excavated product, allowing it to be re-used.

Topsport supplied a 5-3 mm gritstone from its Arcow quarry which contractors J Mallinson (Ormskirk) Ltd installed at a depth of 150mm as the main drainage carpet. With the gritstone in place and graded by means of laser controlled equipment, the rootzone layer could then be overlaid.

A specially designed rootzone was developed which would withstand the rigours of the opening ceremonies but allow rugby sevens to be played. The rootzone was spread at a thickness of 200mm and, once final levels were reached, it was seeded and the process of nurturing the grass began. The games were a huge success and the infield performed well throughout. Only a week after the closing ceremony the grass sward was removed and the rootzone was successfully excavated.