INDUSTRY NEWS
The Universal machine used in Dharamshala to install the hybrid surface was first developed by SISGrass in 2017 . It injects a small percentage of polymer fiber with the natural turf found inside cricket stadiums . This composition is more resilient to stresses created during play , helping to prolong the life of pitches , guarantee an even bounce and ease pressure on busy grounds crews . Completed installations are predominantly natural grass , with only 5 % of polymer fiber used . This ensures the characteristics of an all-natural pitch are maintained .
Speaking about the installation , R . P . Singh-Hony , president of the HPCA , said , “ We are confident the installation will pave the way for a brighter future for Indian cricket , not just in Himachal Pradesh but across the nation .”
Hybrids have already been sanctioned by the England and Wales Cricket Board ( ECB ) for T20 and 50-over competitions , and in 2024 they will be used in four-day County Championship matches for the first time . The Universal machine in India will travel to Ahmedabad and Mumbai , where it will stitch more pitches for practice and match play .
“ Cricket is often associated with tradition , but the installation of SISGrass in India is a milestone of progress ,” added Taylor . “ Our hybrid pitches will allow for longer periods of play than is possible with all-natural surfaces , helping to maintain a base level of performance for millions of players across the country . But the technology will also potentially transform grassroots-level cricket , giving juniors the chance to play on the same surfaces found in major stadiums . Our expansion in India is an investment in the future of the game at all levels .”
Bruin Capital to become majority shareholder of SGL
SGL announced that Bruin Capital has agreed to become the majority shareholder of SGL ’ s holding company Playgreen , which SGL is part of together with its technology development sister company Alva .
Over the last 20 years , SGL has developed sustainable and data-driven turfgrass technologies for the biggest sports clubs , stadiums and governing bodies worldwide ( Manchester United , Tottenham Hotspur , FC Barcelona , Bayern Munich , Green Bay Packers and LA FC , to name a few ).
“ We sought a partner with the resources and expertise to help us grow globally , particularly in North America , while staying true to our core values and qualities that have been crucial for our leading position in the market ,” said Mark Trübenbacher , CEO of Playgreen . “ Through a thorough evaluation process , we found Bruin Capital to be the ideal partner . Not only because of their track record for helping digital and technology companies to expand into the U . S ., but we also found Bruin to be unique in that they feel genuinely responsible for creating value in the sports industry .”
Founded in 2015 by George Pyne , Bruin is an investment / operating company specializing in global sports . Its collective operations include more than 5,000 employees across five continents . Its work impacts billions of sports fans on behalf of virtually every major sports league , media company , federation and rights holder .
“ SGL is a perfect example of how technology has disrupted the sports business ,” said Pyne . “ A team of visionary entrepreneurs developed a suite of proprietary products and services to become leaders in a sector that never existed , but is now crucial to the commercial ecosystem of our industry . We are extremely happy to become a part of it and support SGL in their mission .”
What has been essential for SGL in this process is that the integrity of the company and business culture remains intact ; meaning that , while the ownership structure evolves , leadership will stay in place to secure continuity .
The Andersons acquires turf fertilizer manufacturer Reed & Perrine
The Andersons , Inc . ( Nasdaq : ANDE ) completed the acquisition of the assets and business of Reed & Perrine Sales , Inc ., which specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of premium turf fertilizers and control products to the commercial lawn and landscape markets .
“ We are excited to expand our opportunities in the turf business with the acquisition of Reed & Perrine ,” said Joe McNeely , president , The Andersons Nutrient & Industrial . “ Their strong relationships and experience in this market will increase our opportunity to connect and enhance our turf customer base , including commercial lawn and landscaping and municipalities , and provide those customers access to the full suite of The Andersons premium Turf products .”
Squires to receive distinguished leadership award
William “ Bill ” Squires , founder / president of The Right Stuff Consulting , Inc ., and venue and operations consultant for the New York Giants , will be presented with the Milton E . Ahlerich Distinguished Leadership Award during the 2024 National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition on July 9-11 in Phoenix .
The event is presented annually by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security ( NCS4 ) at The University of Southern Mississippi ( USM ).
44 SportsField Management | June 2024 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com