Telstra Dome Unveils the Igloo
Telstra Dome is trialing a new Climate Control System for the preparation of the wickets for next month's Johnnie Walker Super Series between Australia and the ICC World XI on October 5, 7 and 9.
The New Zealand technology, affectionately known as the Igloo, utilises solar radiation, radiant heaters, fluorescent grow lights and airflow to dry out and harden wickets.
Telstra Dome Arena Manager Gavin Darby says the climate control system is a great tool for wicket preparation.
"Drying out the wicket and hardening the pitch is crucial for producing and maintaining an ideal one day pitch across three matches."
"Given the cooler weather conditions we have encountered so far, it will ensure the wicket preparation process is on track, regardless of the weather conditions."
The climate control system utilises technologies to control the solar radiation, air temperature, relative humidity, precipitation and airflow surrounding the pitch.
The key tasks of the Climate Control are:
- To encourage early season couch grass growth prior to wicket preparation
- Assist in the drying out and hardening of the pitch during preparation
- Create the ideal holding conditions between the matches to reduce pitch deterioration.
The Perennial system was designed and developed by former New Zealand Cricket Academy curator Mike Robins, with the aid of lecturers from Lincoln University in Christchurch.
Telstra Dome's Operation team is confident the innovation will be beneficial for delivering the best possible wickets for the three one day matches next month.
The 27 metres long (3x9m sections) by 3.5 metre wide galvanised steel structure is positioned on wheels, to enable the igloo to be moved easily around the ground.
Inside the structure there are 15 radiant heaters and 18 fluorescent grow lights, an extraction fan, a fogger to reduce the temperature when required and an irrigation system. The Igloo is controlled by three-phase power and a logic computer system that can be set to heat the igloo to 30 degrees.
As a part of Telstra Dome's ongoing turf management plan, the Igloo will be trialed in other areas of the ground to promote grass growth and stimulation.
"With some design modifications it potentially could be used to grow grass in other areas of the ground that are not exposed to the sun.
"As part of our long term management of the turf, it is definitely something we are researching further."
