Carlisle United Gets $216,000 New Pitch Laid After Floods Left Brunton Park Underwater

A new playing surface is being laid at League Two side Carlisle United "after damage caused to the pitch by the wave of flooding in December," according to Richard Arrowsmith of the London DAILY MAIL. Storm Desmond "left a large section of Brunton Park submerged underwater." Club official Andy Hall said, "We were sat there watching our own cars trapped underneath the puddles on national TV. It was the most surreal experience." Great efforts "have been made to restore the surface." The top surface has been skimmed away and a new £150,000 ($216,000) pitch "is being laid ahead of a homecoming against York City later this month" -- with head groundsman Dave Mitchell saying the club is trying to make "the best of an extraordinary situation." Even with insurance money, "the cost of replacing the pitch will be a blow to the club, meaning a FA Cup has been more important, both financially and in terms of raising morale for the whole community" (DAILY MAIL, 1/12).