Widnes iPitch taking shape

The first strip of the new artificial “iPitch” at Widnes’ Stobart Stadium was laid on Wednesday, as the club prepares to welcome Wakefield for their Super League opener on February 3rd.

The Vikings have been working closely with the RFL, pitch manufacturers DESSO sports systems and installation experts J. Mallinson (Ormskirk) Ltd to ensure the ptch meets the required standards for both rugby league and football.

It has taken more than 12 weeks of preparation work before the first strip was laid, and the club is now hopeful the pitch will be complete by next Friday, January 13.

Vikings chief executive Julie Gaskell told the club’s official website: “It has been a lengthy process but our dream is now just 10 days away from becoming a reality.

“The support we have received from the game’s governing body has been outstanding and we would also like to thank Halton Borough Council for their assistance during this process.

“We recently wrote to a number of sports clubs about whether they would want to come and have a taster session on the i-pitch before we officially open it on Saturday 11 February.”

When not in use by the Vikings, the i-pitch will also be available for the community to hire for a whole host of activities such as corporate events, birthday parties and stag do’s. It will also transform into a five-a-side soccer and touch rugby dome during the evening and play host to a number of local competitions.