New pitch NAC Breda has innovative system for water storage and transport

FOOTBALLS ON THOUSANDS OF PLASTIC CRATES

In recent years, NAC Breda received several times the appreciation of opponents and match officials for the best natural pitch of the Keuken Kampioen Divisie. A nice compliment for HUBRA Fieldmanagement, which has been taking care of field maintenance for many years. NAC wanted to renew the field and engaged Wil Huijbregts of contracting and groundwork company and civil contracting Huijbregts BV, who is also co-owner of HUBRA Fieldmanagement.

"Both the turf, sprinkler system and drainage system were worn out and in need of replacement," Huijbregts says. "A moment that, on my advice, was also immediately seized upon to lower the pitch. NAC also wants to be able to use the Rat Verlegh Stadium for events in the future, but the old situation offered insufficient possibilities for this. Because the pitch was at 1.80 meters above ground level, a ditch was created between the pitch and the stands which hindered safe escape in case of calamities. So by replacing the pitch and lowering it to around 0.20 meters, NAC kills several birds with one stone."

Innovative system

In a steering committee with Huijbregts BV, the plans were further developed. The civil contractor was then awarded the complete field replacement in 2024. "Immediately after the NAC-Willem II match on May 18, we removed the old pitch including sprinklers and drainage," says Huijbregts. "The field was then excavated, releasing as much as 25,000 cubic meters of soil. We transported all this soil outside the stadium, after which we also removed the retaining walls. Then we could start building the new field, including sprinkler system, field heating and an innovative system for water storage and transport."

Delivered ready to play

Together with many supporters, volunteers and NAC staff, Huijbregts BV constructed a Permavoid system with thousands of plastic crates 8.5 centimeters high. "Because this system continuously collects rain and irrigation water, NAC can now also provide the roots of the grass with nutrition (water) and oxygen from below," Huijbregts said. "In combination with the adjustable ventilation and irrigation function, the quality of the new turf is raised to the very highest level." Just before the NAC-Fortuna Sittard home match on August 18, Huijbregts BV delivered the new pitch complete and ready to play. "Including lines and goals, which NAC knew how to find well."