Blades History is Spot On for Fans and Charities

11th May 2015

Sheffield United will be starting a new era at the Bramall Lane Stadium immediately after the play-off semi-final first leg.

Pitch experts will move in to start the installation of a state-of-the-art Desso pitch, bringing to an end around 153 years of football being played on a traditional surface at the oldest professional football stadium in the world. To mark the event the Club is giving fans a chance to bid on e-bay for unique pieces of the pitch to support Prostate Cancer UK and the Sheffield Children's Hospital. Operations Director, Dave McCarthy, said: "Next week we take our pitch up in readiness for our new one to be laid. "To mark this occasion we are offering for auction two square meters from both penalty spots and turf from the whole of the centre circle area. "It will be the chance to own a piece of history. Just think how many Lane legends have fired the Blades to victory from each penalty spot, how many captains have tossed the coin at the centre circle. "People will be bidding for a piece of our heritage and at the same time helping two very good causes," added Dave. The Club is completely refurbishing the pitch, with work due to commence on lifting the current turf on Friday (May 8) after the play off semi-final the previous night. Having such a pitch will not only give Nigel Clough's team the best possible playing surface, but allow the Club better opportunities to stage other events, such as a Kell Brook World Title match, something Blades fan Brook has talked about recently. It is expected that a webcam will be in place for supporters to view progress on the installation of the new pitch via the Club's website. To take part in the e-bay auction go to http://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/sufc_official The turf will be delivered if the winning bidder lives in the Sheffield region or it can be collected from the stadium. Desso GrassMaster is a sports playing field surface composed of natural grass combined with artificial fibres. The artificial grass fibres are injected 20 centimetres (7.9 in) deep, and cover about 3% of the surface. While the grass is growing, the roots intertwine with the artificial fibres. The designers claim this anchors the field to create a solid, even structure with good drainage and 'playing comfort'. Reinforced natural grass or hybrid grass is used for stadium pitches and training pitches, rugby, American football and baseball. Clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool all play on Desso pitches, whilst Wembley also has one. Reinforced natural grass can also be used for events and concerts. The artificial turf injection shortens the recovery time for the grass.