sports
fields

The construction of sports fields is carried out by companies specializing in sports infrastructure. These companies ensure the design and complete construction of football, rugby, tennis, athletics or multi-sport fields, from the technical studies to the game.

The major sports field builders are companies recognized for their technical expertise, their ability to deliver turnkey projects and their compliance with international standards. Among the leaders in the sector is Gregori International, a leading French player in Africa, Europe and the Middle East, specialising in football pitches, golf courses, stadiums and local sports facilities.

The construction of a sports field requires a global technical approach, combining engineering, high-performance materials and specialized know-how.

Each project is based on a precise analysis of the site (topography, nature of the soil, climate, sports use) in order to design a suitable structure — whether it is a football, rugby, athletics or multi-sport field. The choice of surface (natural, synthetic or hybrid grass) depends on the customer's needs and international sports standards (FIFA, FFR, IAAF, FIBA, etc.).

1. Soil study and engineering design : geotechnical analysis, grading, drainage and choice of turf type (natural, synthetic or hybrid).
2. Earthworks and drainage : shaping the land, installing the drainage system to prevent water accumulation.
3. Foundation layer : installation of stabilizing materials (gravel, sand, geotextile) ensuring flatness and resistance.
4. Laying of the turf : sowing or peeling of natural grass, installation of synthetic turf or hybrid system depending on the sports use.
5. Irrigation and finishes : installation of a watering network, installation of peripheral equipment (fences, goals, lighting, stands).

The cost of building a sports ground depends on several factors: the surface area, the type of surface (natural grass, artificial turf or hybrid), the built-in facilities (lighting, irrigation, fencing, stands) and the site’s constraints (water and electricity supplies, climate, etc.).

1. 1. In terms of "club / regular use" (full-size pitch, synthetic or natural grass, decent infrastructure) an estimate between €100,000 and €300,000
2. "International competition with FIFA certification" level (105 × 68 m pitch, an estimate ranging from €500,000 to €1,100,000 (or even more depending on country and equipment)

Natural grass offers optimal playing comfort and a recognized aesthetic. It is suitable for professional or training grounds, provided that it has regular maintenance and a good drainage system.

Synthetic turf is ideal for high-use areas or nearby pitches. Resistant, practicable all year round and certified by FIFA Quality, it limits maintenance costs and ensures excellent availability of the pitch.

Hybrid turf, combining synthetic fibres and natural grass, represents the most advanced solution for high-end stadiums : it guarantees stability, resistance and homogeneity of play in all weather conditions.

1. Football field : between 90 x 45 m and 105 x 68 m, i.e. about 4,000 to 7,000 m².
2. Rugby pitch : approx. 100 x 70 m, including end zones.
3. Multi-sports field (basketball, volleyball, handball, mini-football): from 20 x 12 m to 44 x 22 m, depending on the use.
4. Tennis court : 23.77 x 10.97 m for a standard court.
5. Athletics track : approximately 400 m in perimeter, with a total footprint exceeding 15,000 m².

The main reference frameworks for the construction of a sports surface are:

1. FIFA Quality / FIFA Quality Pro for football pitches, whether natural, synthetic or hybrid grass.
2. World Athletics for athletics tracks, ensuring compliance in terms of dimensions, surfaces and drainage.
3. FFR, FIBA, ITF, IHF, ETC. FOR SPECIFIC SPORTS (RUGBY, BASKETBALL, TENNIS, HANDBALL).
4. Local regulations relating to safety, accessibility, the environment and stormwater management.

The nature of the soil : it must be stable, draining and adapted to the structure of the land. A preliminary geotechnical study is essential.

Drainage : an effective system is essential to avoid water stagnation and preserve the flatness of the land.

Levelling and planimetry : the slope tolerance must be minimal to ensure a controlled flow of rainwater.

The choice of surface : natural, synthetic or hybrid grass, depending on the weather conditions, the level of use and the frequency of maintenance.

Peripheral equipment : automatic watering, fencing, lighting, sports furniture and access roads must be integrated from the design stage.

It is a question of adapting your maintenance process according to the type of surface:

1. Natural grass: maintenance includes regular mowing, fertilization, weeding, controlled watering and relining or dethatching work to maintain a homogeneous and resistant surface.
2. Synthetic grass : it requires frequent brushing, recompacting of the infill, cleaning of waste and control of drainage to avoid premature degradation.
3. Hybrid turf : it combines both approaches, with precise agronomic monitoring and mechanical operations adapted to the reinforced soil structure.

Well planned maintenance extends the life of the pitch and ensures a consistent quality of play throughout the year.

Whatever the type of surface, watering is necessary, even for synthetic surfaces

For natural grass, watering is generally carried out 2 to 4 times a week, or even daily in hot weather. The goal is to maintain sufficient moisture in the top 10 to 15 centimeters of the soil.

For a hybrid turf, the frequency is similar but adjusted according to the density of the fibres and the porosity of the substrate.

Synthetic turf does not require regular watering, except to cool the surface during hot weather or before certain competitions to improve playing comfort.

Drainage is a key factor in the quality of a playing field. Here are the main steps for draining a sports pitch

A draining structure composed of successive layers (gravel, sand, geotextile) promoting water infiltration and evacuation.

A network of perforated drains installed below the surface, connected to an outlet or retention basin.

Precise levelling of the land to ensure a gentle slope (often 0.5 to 1%) facilitating the flow of water to low points.

A complementary watering and rainwater management system, optimising the water regulation of the soil.

1. Training grounds: approx. 200 to 300 lux.
   • Regional competitions: 500 to 750 lux.
   • Compétitions régionales : 500 à 750 lux.
   • Professional stadiums and HD TV broadcasting: 1000 to 2000 lux.
2. The uniformity of the light, which must avoid areas of shadow or glare.
3. The color temperature (usually between 4000K and 6000K) to faithfully reproduce the colors of the game.
4. Energy efficiency, with the use of LED technology, which is more sustainable and less consuming.