Dundalk FC have announced they are to install a new artificial pitch ahead of the new season.
The Oriel Park pitch has used artificial grass since 2005, with the quality of the pitch attracting criticism in recent years. The installation will begin next week and will be first used in the season opener against Shamrock Rovers on February 24th.
Italian company Limonta Sport will install the pitch, having already worked with the FAI in the National Training Centre in Abbotstown.
Dundalk FC are pleased to confirm that a new pitch will be installed in time for the start of the new season. More: https://t.co/hewWt1uVJY pic.twitter.com/xskFeLnEnw
— Dundalk FC (@DundalkFC) January 19, 2017
The club confirmed that they had hoped to return to a natural grass pitch for the 2017 season, but revealed "having examined this option with stadium and pitch developers, we believe it is not the right time for the club to return to grass".
As a result of the new pitch, Dundalk confirmed they will not play any pre-season matches in Oriel Park, and that the forthcoming President's Cup game against FAI Cup winners Cork City would not take place in the County Louth venue.
