Portsmouth are preparing to carry out major work at their historic stadium as soon as the current campaign ends.
The club has confirmed a significant investment will be made to improve the playing surface at Fratton Park.
Portsmouth to install new pitch at Fratton Park after this season
Portsmouth have revealed that Fratton Park will undergo a ‘£1 million-plus' redevelopment this summer, with the stadium’s pitch set to be completely replaced.
Work will begin after the final Championship home match of the season against Birmingham City on May 2nd.
The existing soil-based surface will be removed and replaced with a modern hybrid pitch, including a brand-new drainage system, pipework and undersoil structure designed to improve durability and playing quality.
According to Pompey chief executive Andy Cullen, the project represents the club’s main capital investment for the summer and had already been planned before the £2.1 million sale of Callum Lang to Preston North End, as per The News.
The upgrade will also allow Portsmouth Women to relocate permanently to Fratton Park, increasing the use of the stadium across the club.
However, the club has confirmed that undersoil heating will not be installed during this phase of the redevelopment, with the additional cost estimated at around £700,000.
FGG says: Fratton Park finally getting a much-needed upgrade
Fratton Park remains one of English football’s most iconic and traditional stadiums, but maintaining such an old venue requires constant investment.
Replacing the pitch might not be the most glamorous redevelopment, but it is one of the most important upgrades a club can make.
A modern hybrid surface should improve playing conditions and help prevent postponements during the winter months.
For Pompey fans, it’s another sign that steady improvements are continuing at the stadium, even if larger redevelopment plans will likely have to wait for another day.