Why buy dry?
Save 2 million litres of water per season.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH)’s ambition to move elite hockey towards dry or reduced-water playing surfaces has proven to be a major step forward for the sport. This direction has accelerated the development of new turf technologies that not only meet the demands of international competition, but now deliver clear performance benefits at club level.
Eindhoven Hockey Club in The Netherlands saves 25,000 litres per day
Eindhoven Hockey Club installed two Poligras Paris GT zero hockey turfs – one with irrigation and one without.
Previously, on the irrigated turf, the club watered up to 10 times per match day, using around 35,000 litres of water. Today, they water just three times per day, reducing usage by 70% and saving approximately 25,000 litres per match day. Across a full weekend of matches, this equates to around 50,000 litres saved.
During training, the club now uses minimal irrigation, saving a further approximately 25,000 litres per week. This adds up, for example 50,000 litres per week saved for 40 weeks a year is 2 million litres of water saved per season. For context, if a person drinks 2 litres per day, that enough for 1 million days.
“With Poligras GT zero, we have a surface that delivers elite performance while drastically reducing water consumption. That’s the future of hockey.”
Dry sand-free turfs now deliver performance that sand-dressed systems can no longer match
For decades, hockey has been played on dry surfaces. The sport evolved from sand-filled turfs (with a “beach-like” appearance) to sand-dressed systems, which reduced sand content and became the global standard.
Today, the latest generation of sand-free dry hockey turfs from Poligras represents the next step in that evolution. Advances in fibre design and friction-reduction technology mean that Poligras Paris and Poligras Platinum World Cup turfs outperform sand-based systems, even when dry.
At Eindhoven, the non-irrigated turf has been, in the words of Paul Manders, “a revelation.” When dry, it performs very similarly to a traditional water-based turf, supporting modern hockey skills. When moisture is present, from rain or even around 1mm of overnight atmospheric moisture, the surface retains water and can perform at true Olympic-level standards throughout the day.
Why should clubs buy dry?
For hockey clubs, Poligras Paris GT zero and Poligras Platinum World Cup turfs deliver multiple benefits:
Better Quality Hockey: Dry performance is comparable to water-based turfs, delivering a clear upgrade from sand-based pitches. When moisture is present, turf performance reaches Olympic-level standards.
Proven Around the World: Poligras play wet / play dry crossover turfs have been installed in over 100 locations, including Paris 2024 Olympic Games and 2026 Hockey World Cup.
Responsible Use of Resources: Even where water is abundant, using less is simply smarter and more sustainable.
Cost Savings: Lower water use reduces both water and energy costs, delivering immediate and ongoing savings.
Reduced Maintenance: Less strain on irrigation systems means fewer breakdowns, lower maintenance costs, and longer equipment lifespan.
Operational Simplicity: Fewer watering cycles make pitch management easier and improve reliability on training and match days.
More Playable Time: Less (or no) watering increases turf availability and reduces downtime.
Scalable Impact: Savings multiply across multiple pitches, creating significant resource and cost reductions at club, regional, and national level.
Lower Carbon Footprint: Reduced water use also lowers energy consumption, cutting overall environmental impact.
Stronger Image for Hockey: Demonstrates a modern, responsible approach and avoids perceptions of excessive water use.
Future-Ready: Prepares clubs for tighter environmental regulations and rising resource costs.
Hockey clubs can embrace the future, today
Poligras Paris GT zero and Poligras Platinum World Cup are smart choices for clubs seeking a performance upgrade from sand-based pitches or a significant reduction in water use. They deliver meaningful environmental benefits while maintaining (indeed enhancing) hockey performance, skill development, and enjoyment.
Poligras Hockey Turf has been chosen for 9 Olympics (including LA 2028) and 10 World Cups (including 2026 World Cups).
Poligras is available globally through Polytan in EMEA, Asia Pacific and Australasia, and AstroTurf in North and South America as well as our global installer network.