Cirencester Arena gets an £80,000 makeover (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cirencester Arena gets an £80,000 makeover

2:08pm Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in Sport

CIRENCESTER Arena will have an indoor playing surface to rival that at Chelsea FC after an £80,000 refurbishment this month.

The Arena will be transformed into a 'field of dreams' by a new Rhino Turf surface, which is believed to be the first such facility outside the professional game in this country. The artificial surface can be used for everything from football and other sports to birthday parties, fitness classes and country dancing.

The official launch, on Monday, October 8, will feature some famous sporting names, an afternoon coaching session for the kids and a free taster game of six-a-side football for the adults.

Cirencester Arena manager James French said: "It's a field of dreams and going to have a real 'wow' factor.

"We're trying to make sure the whole community knows we're doing something as this is there for everybody to use.

"We're spending £60,000 on the new surface which is brilliant. Basically, it's an artificial grass surface with a mixture of sand and rubber crumb, made out of recycled car tyres, which gives it the bounce and stability it needs.

It's very true to grass, but without the undulations, and is very soft and giving with less impact on people's joints."

The remaining funds will improve the rebound boards, lighting, netting and lockers. Cirencester FC moved to Kingshill Lane in 2002, from its 20-year Smith's Field home. It developed the new site and built the current £1m arena.

To reap some returns for the investment, the arena set out to attract as many diverse users as possible.

James said: "Whether you're 14 or 65 and as fit as a fiddle, we think the community will benefit from the new-look centre."

For more information on the club, contact www.cirencesterarena.co.uk