DHL Stadium has received a Gold Award at the International Project Management Association (IPMA) Global Project Management Awards for its recent pitch replacement project, upgrading from natural grass to a cutting-edge hybrid grass system integrated with synthetic fibre.
Now on par with global venues like Twickenham and Stade de France, the stadium’s new pitch offers durability far exceeding conventional fields, capable of handling six times more traffic. It also has a 15-year lifespan, allowing the stadium to host a wide range of events from rugby and football matches to concerts with minimal downtime for ‘recovery’.
Delivered on time and within budget, the project’s team navigated a tight twelve-month timeline during the 2023 Rugby World Cup while overcoming unforeseen delays in the delivery of materials. Construction on site took 86 days with the project prioritising sustainability through the reuse of 1 750 cubic metres of excavated material and optimisation of the irrigation system.
Since completion, the new pitch has significantly enhanced the stadium’s operational flexibility says the City of Cape Town with over 200 events hosted, having attracted more than 500 000 spectators.
“This award is a testament to our team’s dedication to excellence. The new hybrid pitch meets the highest international standards and significantly enhances our ability to host back-to-back events. This drives economic growth, supports local businesses, and fosters community engagement. We’re proud to set a new benchmark for stadium infrastructure and contribute to Cape Town’s global reputation,” comments Gina Woodburn, CEO of DHL Stadium.
The awards ceremony was held at DHL Stadium alongside a two-and-a-half-day conference with 600 delegates from 40 countries.
