Work on an intensive programme of improvements to the pitch at Don Valley Stadium is nearing completion.
Stadium operator Sheffield International Venues (SIV) has invested in a series of specialist treatments for Rotherham United’s home ground ahead of the start of the new football season in August.
SIV has drafted in sports turf maintenance experts Danvic Turf Care to work alongside Don Valley ground staff assisted by a team from SIV Golf.
They have used a Koro machine to remove 25mm from the turf surface, plus a further 25mm from the section affected by last year’s U2 concert, and applied more than 120 tonnes of 80-20 Rootzone Mix.
The pitch has also been leveled and graded, reseed and treated with fertilizer and will be seeded a further four times before the start of the new season
Pat Smith, general manager of Don Valley Stadium, said: “We are investing in improving the pitch at Don Valley for the future as part of our ongoing commitment to Rotherham United. We are delighted with the progress so far and the work will ensure the highest quality surface for the Millers next season.
“Danvic Turf Care is one of best in the business having already worked with the likes of Sheffield United, Middlesbrough FC and Barnsley FC. Together with our own Don Valley ground staff and golf staff they have done a great job – so much so that we now have a 350 tonne pile of soil and grass outside the main reception!”
Rotherham, who made Don Valley their second home in 2008 after leaving Millmoor, will secure a place in League One with victory over Dagenham and Redbridge in the play off final at Wembley on Sunday, May 30.
Paul Douglas, Rotherham United’s chief operating officer, said: “The programme of work established by SIV will ensure the highest standard pitch surface for our players next season.
“Their own staff and the specialist contractors have done a fantastic job so far and we should start seeing the fruits of their labour next week when the first blades of grass start to show through.
“But the hard work doesn’t stop here, which is why we also have a structured programme in place to maintain the surface quality throughout what will hopefully be a League One campaign for the Millers."
