The Evolution of Pitch Protection | Covermaster & Sports & Stadia | Turf Tech 2026

How has pitch protection evolved, and where is it heading? In the opening session of Turf Tech Summit 2026, Ken Curry (Covermaster) and Nigel & Edward Felton (Sports & Stadia Services) share a joint perspective on covers, heat and microclimate management for natural turf. Ken Curry, President of Covermaster, explains what to look for in a flat pitch cover, why one permeable cover can replace frost covers, mesh and germination sheets, and how a cover reduces the energy use of undersoil heating. He also introduces the new Evergreen Black and the TarpMate Air Plus roller. Nigel and Edward Felton then present the MacLeod Cover System, an inflatable pitch protection system used for live televised FA Cup and EFL matches and at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023. With case studies from Perth, the USA, Iceland's national stadium and Italy, plus independent turf health data, they show how covers are moving from an emergency tool to a way of actively managing growing conditions. CHAPTERS 0:00 Introduction – Ken Curry, Covermaster 1:23 Why use pitch covers? 1:50 What to look for in a flat pitch cover 3:53 Permeable covers: frost, mesh and germination 5:15 Evergreen turf covers 8:05 Covers and undersoil heating: saving energy 9:32 TarpMate Air Plus: faster cover handling 11:54 Nigel Felton – the MacLeod Cover System 17:47 Edward Felton – case studies 21:10 Data: preventing postponements and boosting growth SPEAKERS Ken Curry – President, Covermaster Nigel Felton – Sports & Stadia Services Edward Felton – Sports & Stadia Services LINKS Covermaster: https://www.covermaster.com/ Sports & Stadia Services: https://www.sportsandstadia.co.uk/ ABOUT TURF TECH SUMMIT Turf Tech Summit brings together grounds managers, clubs, contractors and suppliers from across the world to share the latest knowledge and innovation in sports turf. Over two days, speakers from elite clubs, research and industry presented on the main stage and in the Focus Lounge, alongside indoor and outdoor exhibitions. This presentation was recorded at Turf Tech Summit 2026 at the Amex Stadium, home of Brighton & Hove Albion. Watch all presentations:    • Turf Tech Summit 2026 – All Presentations   More information: https://turftechsummit.com/ Follow Turf Tech Summit: LinkedIn:   / turftechsummit   Instagram:   / turftechsummit   Facebook:   / 1glemjg36p   The next edition will be announced soon. Subscribe to stay updated and to catch every new presentation. Watch also: Soil Science for Better Pitches – Labosport UK:    • Soil Science for Better Pitches, with Live...   #TurfTechSummit #PitchProtection #Groundsman