Ewood Park, Blackburn Rovers FC pitch reconstruction

The Ewood Park project was delivered as an integrated design and build project, bringing STRI’s specialist sports surface design and technical consultancy together with Carrick Construction’s delivery expertise.

STRI developed the design for the new pitch and supporting infrastructure, with Carrick responsible for translating that design into the completed construction on site. Working as one integrated team provided Blackburn Rovers with a single point of contact throughout the project, creating a clear line of accountability from design through to delivery.

This joined-up approach also meant design and construction were closely coordinated throughout the programme. STRI’s technical specialists worked alongside Carrick’s construction team, allowing site requirements and technical decisions to be addressed quickly while ensuring the design intent was maintained through every stage of the build.

Rebuilding from the ground up

Carrick excavated the existing pitch profile before laser grading the formation to establish the precise levels required for the new construction.

A new primary drainage system was installed across the pitch using 80mm perforated drainage pipes and a new main collector drain. The drainage network was covered with a gravel raft, providing the foundation for the new pitch profile and supporting efficient water movement through the construction.

Above this, Carrick installed a lower layer of pure sand followed by an upper 85:15 rootzone profile. Together, the drainage, gravel raft, sand and rootzone layers form an integrated system designed to support effective water movement, stability and long-term pitch performance.

Greater control over irrigation

A completely new pitch irrigation system was installed, bringing the infrastructure up to modern standards and giving the club significantly greater control over how and when the playing surface is watered.

The new pump station incorporates twin variable speed drives (VSDs), with the pitch pipe network sized to allow up to four irrigation stations to operate simultaneously. This increases the system’s capacity and reduces the time needed to complete a full watering programme.

Each irrigation station can be controlled independently, allowing the grounds team to target specific areas of the pitch rather than operating the entire system. The installation includes 16 valve-in-head (VIH) sprinklers, eight block-controlled sprinklers and two additional sprinklers dedicated to the goalmouth areas.

This level of control is particularly valuable on matchdays, when irrigation may need to take place around other activity on the field of play or within the limited half-time window.

The control system also includes a handheld wireless remote and cloud-based connectivity, enabling the grounds team to monitor the system, adjust settings, view weather forecasts and receive immediate notifications of important system alarms.

Carrick also undertook bespoke welding work on the water pump system, adapting the installation to accommodate the existing tank and resolve the practical challenges presented by the existing infrastructure.

Completing the pitch infrastructure

Undersoil heating was installed as part of the redevelopment, helping the club manage playing conditions during colder periods.

Perimeter kerbs were installed to final levels, with the pitch run-off areas also incorporated into the redevelopment.

Throughout construction, laser grading and careful sequencing were used to maintain the specified pitch profile and ensure each component was installed in the correct order.

Close coordination between Carrick’s construction team and STRI’s technical specialists ensured the design intent was maintained throughout the build, while allowing technical and practical decisions to be made quickly and effectively to keep the project progressing against the demanding programme.