Experts question choice of turf to fix Hong Kong Stadium

The government is planning to replace the much-criticised pitch at Hong Kong Stadium with new grass that is said to be more resilient - but the choice of turf has been questioned by experts.

Specialists warned that the turf being considered would not necessarily make the pitch suitable to host professional matches, and that it would be a waste of money if the surface were to deteriorate again, which they said was possible if drainage problems are not resolved.

They said the government's trials of the new turf had been 8unscientific.

The comments come after the Leisure and Cultural Services Department told the South China Morning Post it would propose relaying the muddy pitch with a new grass named Transcontinental, after trials had shown it to be more suitable than another turf called TifGrand.

The dreadful state of the sodden pitch became a concern during a tournament prior to a match between English Premier League champions Manchester United and local club Kitchee last month, when the surface was deemed almost unplayable.

Department director Betty Fung Ching Suk-yee said amid the crisis two weeks ago that the government would consider relaying the field. The department then revealed to the Post last Friday that it had already tried out two types of grass and one would be put forward for consideration after consulting experts.

A source familiar with the department's operations said the plan is likely to go ahead. The last time new turf was laid at Hong Kong Stadium was in June 1998 at a cost of HK$1.7 million.