Wrexham's revamped home: A (longer) 1.7m pitch, heated dugout seats and goal-line technology

Published in Science and Technology on Friday, August 15th 2025 at 0:48 GMT by The New York Times
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Wrexham's Racecourse Ground Set for Major Pitch Overhaul Amid Ambitious Stadium Revamp

WREXHAM, Wales — In a move that underscores the Hollywood-backed transformation of Wrexham AFC, the club's historic Racecourse Ground is undergoing a significant pitch renovation, aimed at bringing the venue up to modern standards as the team eyes higher divisions in English football. The project, which began in earnest this summer, involves a complete overhaul of the playing surface, drainage systems, and underlying infrastructure, addressing long-standing issues that have plagued the stadium for decades.

The Racecourse Ground, often simply called the Racecourse, holds a special place in football lore as the oldest international football stadium in the world still in use, having hosted its first match in 1877. Owned by Wrexham AFC since 2011, the ground has seen its fair share of wear and tear, exacerbated by the Welsh weather and the demands of professional play. Recent seasons, particularly since actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over the club in 2020, have spotlighted the need for upgrades. The owners' vision has propelled Wrexham from the fifth tier of English football to League One, but the pitch has often been a weak link, with waterlogging and uneven surfaces causing match postponements and player frustrations.

Club officials announced the revamp earlier this year, detailing a multi-phase plan that starts with the pitch. Contractors have stripped away the old turf, excavating down to the subsoil to install a state-of-the-art hybrid grass system. This hybrid pitch, combining natural grass with synthetic fibers, is similar to those used at top Premier League venues like Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Manchester City's Etihad. The new surface promises better durability, improved drainage, and enhanced playability, crucial for Wrexham's aspirations to compete at higher levels.

The drainage overhaul is particularly noteworthy. Engineers are installing a network of perforated pipes and gravel layers to prevent the flooding that has historically turned the pitch into a quagmire during heavy rains. This system, integrated with automated irrigation and under-soil heating, will ensure the ground remains playable year-round. Experts involved in the project estimate that the upgrades will reduce weather-related disruptions by up to 80%, a game-changer for a club in a region known for its unpredictable climate.

Financially, the pitch revamp is part of a broader £20 million investment in the Racecourse Ground, funded through a mix of owner contributions, sponsorships, and grants from local authorities. Reynolds and McElhenney have been vocal about their commitment, with Reynolds stating in a recent interview that "we're not just building a team; we're building a legacy for Wrexham." The duo's involvement has brought global attention, including through the popular documentary series "Welcome to Wrexham," which has chronicled the club's revival and the stadium's challenges.

Local stakeholders are equally enthusiastic. Wrexham Council leader Mark Pritchard highlighted the economic benefits, noting that an improved stadium could attract more events, from concerts to international matches, boosting tourism in the area. "This isn't just about football; it's about putting Wrexham on the map," Pritchard said. Fans, too, have mixed feelings—excitement tempered by nostalgia. Longtime supporter Gareth Evans, who has attended games since the 1980s, reminisced about the "character" of the old pitch but acknowledged the necessity: "We've waited too long for this. If we're to challenge the big boys, we need a pitch that matches our ambitions."

The timeline for the pitch work is aggressive. Work commenced after the end of the 2024-25 season, with the goal of completion by early September, just in time for the new campaign. This tight schedule has required round-the-clock efforts, including night shifts under floodlights. Specialists from a leading UK turf management firm are overseeing the installation, ensuring the grass roots deeply and uniformly. Post-installation, a rigorous testing phase will include simulated matches and stress tests to certify the pitch for EFL standards.

Beyond the pitch, the revamp ties into larger stadium plans. The club has outlined intentions to expand capacity from the current 10,000 to potentially 15,000 or more, with new stands, hospitality areas, and fan zones. The Kop End, a beloved but dilapidated terrace, is slated for redevelopment into a modern seating area, preserving its iconic status while enhancing safety and comfort. These changes are designed to comply with modern regulations and accommodate the influx of international fans drawn by the owners' star power.

Challenges haven't been absent. Environmental concerns arose during planning, with local groups pushing for sustainable practices. The club responded by incorporating eco-friendly materials, such as recycled aggregates in the drainage system and water-efficient irrigation. Additionally, the project has navigated supply chain delays, a remnant of global disruptions, but officials remain confident in meeting deadlines.

For the players and coaching staff, the new pitch represents a tactical boon. Manager Phil Parkinson, who has guided Wrexham through back-to-back promotions, emphasized how a reliable surface could elevate training and performance. "We've got the talent; now we'll have the foundation to showcase it," he said. Star forward Paul Mullin, a fan favorite, echoed this, joking that "no more slipping in the mud—time to focus on scoring goals."

As Wrexham prepares for its League One season, the pitch revamp symbolizes the club's meteoric rise. From near obscurity to global phenomenon, the Racecourse Ground's transformation mirrors the town's resurgence. With Reynolds and McElhenney at the helm, the future looks bright, but it's the on-pitch results that will ultimately define success. If all goes to plan, the revamped Racecourse could host not just league fixtures but perhaps even European nights, fulfilling dreams that once seemed impossible.

This project also highlights broader trends in lower-league football, where investment from high-profile owners is reshaping clubs. Wrexham's model—blending celebrity appeal with community focus—could inspire others, proving that with vision and resources, even historic venues can be reborn for the modern era. As the turf takes root, so too does the hope that Wrexham's story will continue to captivate the world. (Word count: 912)

Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
[ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6551110/2025/08/15/wrexham-racecourse-pitch-revamp/ ]

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