“There isn’t enough time” – Tottenham insider explains pitch issues and colossal cost

Gabriel Faleri, an employee at pitch logistics company Sheep Tech, has outlined the complex process and substantial cost of maintaining the playing surface at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Speaking to ESPN Brazil, Faleri explained that the venue hosts 35 to 45 events annually, with only roughly 27 being football matches. A retractable mechanism moves the natural pitch underneath the stands to protect it during concerts and NFL games.

Maintaining the pitch costs Tottenham Hotspur upwards of £1 million each year. Breakdown expenses include £400,000 to £600,000 for artificial grow lights, around £150,000 for undersoil heating, up to £350,000 for annual pitch replacement, and up to £80,000 for water and fertilizer.