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 UEFA Champions Festival: Artificial Turf Football Pitch

As Good As Grass were commissioned to construct a football pitch with artificial turf for the UEFA Champions Festival in Rome. The festival was part of the build-up to the 2009 Champions League final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United. The artificial football pitch was situated next to the world famous Roman Coliseum and used for an all-star exhibition match.

The Champions Festival was opened by former Italian international goalkeeper Luca Marchegiani on 23rd May 2009. This was a five day celebration that continued right up to the big match held at the Stadio Olimpico (final result was FC Barcelona 2 – 0 Manchester United). The festival had various attractions including a UEFA trophy booth, supporters hub, memorabilia collections, radio tents, live music and plenty of entertainment. Even a mini football pitch was created for soccer fans to play with their friends – this was also installed by As Good As Grass.

Exhibition Matches

The festival highlights were centred around the main football pitch by As Good As Grass at the Parco di Colle Oppio. This was host to the UEFA Young Champions Tournament and the highly anticipated Ultimate Champions Match. This football pitch seated over 100 spectators and enjoyed the magnificent backdrop of the Coliseum, the UEFA Mega Ball and a giant replica of the Adidas Finale Rome match ball.

The Ultimate Champions Match was between Le Ultime Europa and Le Ultime Italia; namely the football legends of Italy (coached by Pierluigi Collina) and football legends of Europe (coached by Ruud Gullit of The Netherlands). Both teams clearly enjoyed playing on our football pitch with artificial turf because the match consisted of no less than 29 goals! The final score line was Le Ultime Europa 17 - 12 Le Ultime Italia.

Sports Turf – The Final Analysis

Former Danish international Michael Laudrup commented to UEFA that “it was very hot” during the exhibition match, as often is the case in Rome! As Good As Grass are pleased to say that our sports turf withstood the heat and played host to an excellent performance by the football legends.

Visit www.sportsgrass.co.uk for more information on sports turf and the benefits of an artificial football pitch. Your sports club, school or organisation can now benefit from the sports turf of football legends!