Sports Hub Turf To Undergo Improvements After Opening-Match Criticism

The playing surface of the National Stadium, "the crown jewel" of the $1.33B Singapore Sports Hub, "will be given special attention," according to Chua Siang Yee of the STRAITS TIMES. The field of the 55,000-seat stadium "was the target of criticism for its sandy patches" during a friendly between a Singapore Selection side and Serie A side Juventus. Sports Hub Senior Dir of Stadia Gregory Gillin said, "We note the feedback and agree there is room for improvement for the pitch. ... As with any new stadium, we expect teething problems as we continue to ramp up operations." It is believed that among the steps likely to be taken is minimizing the use of the field "to allow it to rest and grow and better take root." Special lighting, like those used in European stadiums, "may also be used to stimulate grass growth" (STRAITS TIMES, 8/19).