Derry City prepares for first match on new World Cup-standard pitch
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 25, 2026, 7:58 AM
Last updated Jun 25, 2026
Derry City will host Drogheda United on Friday, June 26, at their newly transformed Brandywell ground. The grass-hybrid pitch, stitched together by a specialized machine, is a first for any League of Ireland club and is designed to withstand severe weather conditions. Richard Hayden from Hayden Turf Care stated that the pitch meets World Cup standards, comparable to those found at top clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City. The Candystripes have played at Celtic Park during the installation, which included improvements like enhanced drainage and an advanced irrigation system.
- •Derry City hosts Drogheda United on June 26.
- •New pitch is the first hybrid surface in the League of Ireland.
- •Installation included advanced drainage and irrigation systems.
- •Pitch quality compared to top clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City.
- 7:58 AMYahoo Sports — How is Derry City's new pitch 'World Cup standard'?
"Ahead of Friday's first game back at the Brandywell, BBC Sport learns how a giant sewing machine has helped put Derry City's new hybrid pitch together.
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