The biggest pitch improvement project in the 21-year history of the Checkatrade Stadium is underway this weekend.
Contractors from Premier Pitches moved in on Friday to start renovation works which will continue for another two weeks just after completing a project at the Ethiad Stadium, home of Manchester City, earlier this week.
After removing the top surface of the pitch - a job in itself which will take two days and will involve the removal of 50 lorry-loads of earthworks and spoil - new primary drainage will be installed. After further grading and cultivation of the surface, new secondary draining will be laid before the surface is prepared, fertilised and seeded. The programme of works is based on recommendations by the Sports Turf Research Institute.
Operations Director Kelly Derham said: "This is a big project which we have been working towards since the start of the year and by the start of the new season all being well we will have a pitch to be proud of.
"As our supporters are aware, we will be hosting Brighton & Hove Albion women's matches next season and as part of that commitment, Brighton have made a considerable financial donation to the renovation.
"Without their assistance we would not have been able to undertake a renovation of this scale. They will benefit as well as ourselves and I would like to thank Brighton for their support in this partnership. Our grounds team from Complete Turf Care have also worked tirelessly to help bring the project together and have been extremely professional throughout."
Because of the scale of the work involved, Reds will not be able to stage a pre-season game until the end of July which is why two fixtures will be played at East Grinstead Town FC during pre-season against Ipswich on July 17 and opponents to be confirmed four days later.
