TELSTRA STADIUM - Sydney (NSW)

In 1999 the Sydney Organizing Committee for the 2000 Olympic Games awarded HG Turf the contract to install Motz Stabilized Turf in the Olympic Stadium. The turf was installed and maintained for the duration of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The product was grown in a turf nursery adjacent to the Stadium and installed after the Opening Ceremony but before the first athletic event. Whilst in the Stadium the turf was used for the entire athletics program and also the Men’s Gold Medal Soccer Final.

The project involved precise planning and two teams, 16 workers in each, sharing a 24-hour work schedule. Unprecedented security required all employees and vehicles to be searched daily.

The following quote from Jim Brown, Venue Manager - Olympic Stadium, says it all:

“Dear Hamish, Now that things have come to a soft landing I thought it necessary to congratulate you and your staff for contributing to a very important part of what was clearly the most successful Olympic Stadium in History. Your grass system (Motz Stabilised Turf) proved to be the exact system we required and your approach to the job fitted perfectly in the event environment – great detail in pre-planning, a team approach in operation and flexibility to adjust as required. As we discussed, one of my proudest moments was being able to open the gates for the first day of Athletics and enjoy the expressions of amazement of arriving spectators as they saw our pristine arena and playing field. The faces proved to me that we met the challenge of providing a perfect Stadium in the few days we were given. Great job and many thanks. Please be sure that you thank your staff for me. Yours Sincerely, Jim Brown, Venue Manager, Olympic Stadium”.