A NEW temporary pitch will be laid at the Ricoh Arena which will benefit both the Sky Blues and Wasps.
The Aviva Premiership side play their first match in Coventry later this month when they host London Irish on December 21.
The pitch at the Ricoh has come under pressure from the Sky Blues with boss Steven Pressley describing it as the ‘worst in the Football League’.
But Wasps have reacted and although the pitch will be fully relaid in the summer as planned, swifter action has been taken by announcing plans to provide a new pitch with immediate effect.
Arena Coventry Ltd (ACL) will fund a temporary pitch replacement which will be in place for when the Sky Blues hosts Fleetwood Town on December 20.
It is also expected to be in place for when the Wasps host an open training session with local school children on December 16.
“This is a significant investment by ACL to improve the present condition of the pitch, which we hope will give the rugby and football clubs a better platform on which to perform,” said Wasps chief executive, Nick Eastwood.
“We are not willing to compromise on the quality of the playing surface and recognise that this issue needs to be addressed now, so we have provided the best temporary solution available to us.”
“Over 17,000 supporters have already committed to joining us at our first game against London Irish, and with over two weeks still to go before the match on December 21, we will do everything in our power to provide a high quality pitch for players to produce high quality performances and entertain supporters at the Ricoh this season.”
