Stade Marie-Marvingt is undergoing a major modernization. The latest addition is a hybrid turf, used in the biggest arenas in the world. The new surface is expected to guarantee better sporting conditions and longer pitch durability.

Turf on par with the world’s biggest stadiums

Wear and tear on Stade Marie-Marvingt pitch became evident after just three years of intensive use. Since the installation of the previous surface, more than 70 matches had been played, and the grass imported from Stade de France lost its properties. For this reason, Le Mans Stadium, the concessionaire of the venue, decided to install a new hybrid stitched turf using GrassMax technology.

The solution involves injecting synthetic fibers into the soil every 2 cm², to a depth of 18 centimeters. Only 2 cm of the fibers remain above the surface, into which the natural grass root system can grow. Then we sowed natural grass, explains Florent Coulon, managing director of iTurf Management, the company responsible for the project.

The technology increases the stability of the surface, reduces the risk of turf tearing, and improves drainage. As a result, players are less exposed to injuries and the pitch maintains its quality for longer. It prevents the formation of too much organic waste and the premature destruction of the soil, adds Dimitri Vovard, the stadium’s pitch manager since 2019.

The new turf also enhances the stadium’s visual appeal. The spectator experience is very important. The first thing people see is the quality of the pitch. It must be as beautiful as possible, notes Clément Coulon. This is particularly important since Ligue 2 authorities pay close attention to the standards of venues and pitches. Le Mans FC, a newcomer to the league, is currently mid-table, sitting in 6th place out of 18 clubs.

© Modern Coliseum

Costly but long-term investment

The installation of the new surface cost €400,000, significantly more than previous pitches, which ranged between €250,000 and €300,000. The higher price is compensated by its expected durability. We hope to keep it as long as possible, maybe even ten years! says Florent Coulon with a smile.

Another key factor is systematic maintenance. The turf must be cared for six weeks every summer, plus very regular maintenance, explains Dimitri Vovard. Thanks to this, maintaining the pitch will be less expensive than with previous solutions.

© duky.duke (cc: by-sa)

Broader stadium modernization

The new turf is part of a broader modernization program at Stade Marie-Marvingt. In the past two years, other major investments have also been carried out.

In January 2024, the ArenaVision Gen 3.5 lighting system by Philips was installed, consisting of 116 floodlights of 1500 W each. It provides illumination of 2,048 lux, meeting the strict broadcasting standards required for professional competitions. The system also allows for spectacular light shows on matchdays and has cut energy consumption in half.

In the summer of 2024, the surveillance system was upgraded. The new solution, based on Milestone’s XProtect system and 111 Axis cameras, ensures a high level of safety for fans, players, and staff. The system is protected by encryption, which also enhances data security.

The latest investment includes giant LED screens, installed in July and August 2025. With three times lower energy consumption and much higher image quality, the screens allow replays, scores, and animations to be displayed in significantly improved resolution, enhancing the spectator experience at the stadium.