Sports Hub: No decision has been made about the pitch
Sports Hub has stated that an earlier report about them replacing the much-maligned pitch is "inaccurate."
This comes after TNP asked them to confirm a Today report, which cited unnamed sources confirming that the $800,000 field will be replaced with an artificial pitch.
In an e-mail reply, a Sports Hub spokesman said that they are still studying several options.
No decision has been made regarding a "longer term pitch solution."
" We are fully committed to finding a robust natural turf solution, including for the upcoming 28th SEA Games.
The costs incurred in providing a robust solution are fully borne by SHPL.
We will continue to look at all options that will allow us to host a wide range of events (that) we plan to stage at this multipurpose sports and entertainment venue." - Sports Hub
Online criticism came fast and furious when the pitch replacement report first came out - adding to negative stories surrounding the state of the 00 Desso GrassMaster pitch.
Juventus coach Massimo Allegri had told the media when Juventus was in Singapore for an August friendly that he decided to rest Argentinean Carlos Tevez because of the sandy pitch.
Brazil coach Dunga followed up with a similar complaint, saying he was afraid that his samba stars might succumb to injuries because of the sandy pitch.
So the latest story seemed like another blow for the widely-slammed pitch, made of a combination of synthetic and natural grass.
But the pitch seems to have vastly improved for the ongoing AFF Suzuki Cup.
The Sports Hub management tweaked their events calendar and brought in a $1.5 million dollar lighting system, which acts as natural sunlight to aid grass growth through the night.
Source: Straits Times
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