Waikato Hockey has installed a new TigerTurf wet hockey surface, which is the FIH competition standard, at Innes Common in Hamilton. The field was installed in February this year and sits beside an existing TigerTurf wet hockey surface that was installed in 2000.

Waikato Hockey Executive Officer, Denise Hill says Waikato Hockey worked together with TigerTurf to develop an innovative drainage system for the new turf.

"We wanted to see if it was possible to develop a different drainage system than our existing wet surface. We're thrilled with the solution we developed, where the water flows straight off the field as opposed to requiring drains with grates, which can be time consuming to clear. The new field is draining beautifully - it's holding up well on days like today when it's being tested with heavy rain and hail.”

Official opening celebrations were hosted by Waikato Hockey for the new turf on May 6, which was also the first day of competition for the 2006 season. Major sponsors, local business people and community members joined together for the festivities.

Says Hill, "We had a great turnout of local business people and funders. We gave them all sticks and had them out their on the field in their business suits. For most, it was their first experience on a wet hockey surface, and they were duly impressed.”

Entertainment during the opening was also provided by a local marching team that trains on the surface during the off-season.

Hill says the new TigerTurf wet hockey surface has created much-welcome capacity for international standard turf-time, and, most importantly, "The players love it.”