Kingston Park Stadium

Following Red Bull GmbH's takeover of the club in 2025, Newcastle Red Bulls decided to rebuild the playing surface at Kingston Park from the ground up. The aim was a surface that meets the demands of a top-tier professional rugby season while putting player welfare and safety first.

Tarkett Sports worked with its installation partner S&C Slatter, selected through a competitive tender, to define the optimum system for elite rugby: a FieldTurf Vertex Core Prime system, compliant with World Rugby Regulation 22.

A complete reconstruction, delivered in a shortened off season

Because of the club's extensive preseason programme, the works had to be completed in a shortened off season. The existing turf and shock pad were removed, then a new macadam base was laid and a new shock pad was poured in situ. The FieldTurf Vertex Core Prime turf was installed on top. New ducting and data infrastructure were also installed along the pitch side, so the club's performance analysis systems run on modern data collection. The project was completed on time and on budget.

The system, layer by layer

1. Vertex Core Prime turf
   The Vertex construction combines 2 fibres in the same tuft. The Core Prime monofilament has an inner core made from recycled polyethylene for resilience, and a soft outer shell made from virgin polyethylene for player-friendliness. With a thickness of 410 microns, it is designed for intensive use and has proven its durability through extended Lisport cycle testing. The fibrillated fibre beside it is extremely long-lasting and holds the infill in place. Vertex Core Prime is used in stadium environments for the highest level of competitive play.
2. 
   Sand and performance infill
   Stabilising sand and performance infill keep the fibres upright. They give players stable footing, controlled grip in changes of direction and secure contact with the surface in every phase of play.
3. 
   In situ shock pad
   Poured on site, the shock pad absorbs and distributes impact forces from running, tackling and falling. It delivers consistent force reduction as the turf ages, helping the pitch stay within World Rugby performance standards for longer. It also offers high flatness and very limited water absorption, and it can be kept in place when the turf is replaced at the end of its life.