OLOMOUC, Czech Republic – SK Sigma Olomouc has announced it will replace the pitch at Andrův stadion following weeks of criticism regarding its deteriorating condition. The decision, confirmed by club chairman Ondřej Navrátil, comes ahead of a pivotal UEFA Europa Conference League round of 16 clash against Mainz 05 on March 12th, and a Czech Liga match against Karviná on March 15th.
The playing surface at Andrův stadion has been a growing concern for players and fans alike. Reports described the pitch as uneven and patchy, with significant areas of bare earth. Concerns were raised as early as matches against Hradec Králové, Plzeň, and Lausanne, with some observers labeling the condition of Czech Liga pitches generally as poor.
“We are not doing anything different than we have for the past twenty years, since we’ve had this fibresand technology here,” explained Sigma Olomouc groundskeeper Dušan Romanovský to Deník. “It’s an extreme strain during the non-vegetation period. Since November, we’ve had European matches, national team games, and the associated training sessions.” Romanovský and Milan Kerbr starší previously received recognition for maintaining the league’s best pitch.
Still, this winter’s particularly harsh conditions exacerbated the problem. A combination of freezing temperatures, thawing, and subsequent refreezing, coupled with a busy fixture schedule including matches against Celje, Lech Poznań, and Lausanne, took its toll. The pitch was also reportedly affected by algae growth under the snow, creating a slippery surface for players.
“There was algae on the pitch, which formed under the snow that melted and then refroze. Players were slipping on it, so we mechanically removed it. We reseeded about two hundred kilograms, but only about twenty percent of that will grow, and we’re aerating,” Romanovský added.
The club’s decision to replace the entire pitch was prompted by the need to provide a suitable playing surface for upcoming matches. “The end of the autumn part of the season was extremely demanding for the pitch, and winter worsened its condition. We don’t want to play domestic league matches, let alone the Conference League round of 16, on such a surface,” Navrátil stated on the club’s official website.
The new turf will be laid in Hungary, a source known for quality pitch production. “Here’s a proven quality. Currently, Lech Poznań is taking its new turf from there along with us, and they are also preparing a new carpet for the national stadium in Warsaw,” Romanovský explained.
Work to remove the existing pitch has already begun, with the new surface expected to be in place by Saturday, March 8th, ahead of the Conference League match against Mainz 05. The groundskeeping team will then have until Thursday, March 12th, to prepare the pitch for the European fixture, which kicks off at 21:00 local time (20:00 UTC).
“We will, of course, continue to work on it until Thursday, combing and preparing it so that it is in the best possible condition not only for the European match but also for the rest of the season,” Romanovský said.
The investment in the new pitch reflects the club’s commitment to providing a high-quality playing surface for its players and an attractive spectacle for fans. “Even though it’s not a small investment, a quality playing surface is the foundation not only for player performance but also for attractive football for the fans. And that’s what we want to deliver to them,” the club stated.
Looking ahead, further reconstruction of the pitch is being considered during the offseason. “More extensive reconstruction of the playing surface was long postponed due to economic reasons under the previous ownership structure, and as the new owner, we couldn’t manage it before the start of the season. The plan was to do this reconstruction after this season, but the critical situation forced us to react immediately,” Navrátil explained.
Sigma Olomouc will hope the new pitch provides a significant boost as they navigate a crucial period in their season, balancing Czech Liga commitments with their European ambitions. The team will next face Karviná on March 15th following the Conference League tie against Mainz 05.
