Shrewsbury Town pitch recovers after Elton John concert

Last updated : 06 July 2011 By BBC Sport

Head groundsman Richard Barnett told BBC Radio Shropshire: "Over 15,000 people and a 300-ton stage is going to put some sort of pressure on it.

"But I've been over every inch of the pitch and I'm confident that for the new season it's going to be wonderful."

A specialist event team laid hi-tech boarding across the whole pitch before erecting a huge stage for the performance.

I think we've passed the test for future concerts

Shrewsbury groundsman Richard Barnett

"Obviously I had concerns, but the team put me touch with Ipswich Town who've put on similar events, and their groundsman gave me a lot of good advice," Barnett added

"It included extra seeding before the concert and when I went to watch Elton John myself, I was pleased to see the grass growing up between the boards.

"We've addressed one or two small issue areas at the north east end to lessen the compaction but everything's fine.

"I'm happy, the Elton John team were happy, and I think we've passed the test for future concerts."

Shrewsbury's first home game is a friendly against a Manchester United XI on 17 July.

Their first League Two home game is against Plymouth on Saturday, 6 August.

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport