SAO PAULO, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian giants Palmeiras have begun work to install a synthetic pitch at their Allianz Parque home, according to club officials.
Local turf manufacturer Soccer Grass has been contracted to prepare and lay down the drop-in pitch, which will feature technology developed in the Netherlands and used by the Dutch national team.
It will be Brazil's second Serie A venue with artificial grass, after a synthetic pitch was built into Athletico Paranaense's Arena da Baixada in Curitiba in 2016.
However, unlike Arena da Baixada, which uses coconut fibres to soften impact and increase traction, the Allianz Parque surface will have sand-free rubber granules that are more resistant and feel more natural, according to Palmeiras.
The refurbishment, which will cost around two million US dollars, is due to be completed within a month, in time for Palmeiras' home clash against Mirassol in the sixth round of the Paulista championship.
Soccer Grass will also lay the turf on at least one of Palmeiras' three football academy pitches.
The state of the Allianz Parque surface has been the target of constant criticism since the stadium's inauguration in November 2014. Ground staff blame the problems on vast shadows that mean the pitch receives little natural sunlight.
Officials say the new surface will allow the venue to stage more non-football events such as concerts without compromising the quality of the grass.
