SC Verl’s SPORTCLUB Arena underwent extensive modernisation between 2022 and 2023 to meet the requirements of Germany’s third division, the 3. Liga. The redevelopment included removing the old pitch and installing undersoil heating, a licensing requirement for the league. This brought a return to genuine home matches within reach after SC Verl had been forced to play their home fixtures away from Verl in Paderborn.

The pitch modernisation carried out by heiler involved milling off the old turf, excavating the pitch and installing a new drainage system. The energy-efficient undersoil heating system will keep the turf frost-free. Special insulation beneath the heating loops reduces energy requirements by up to 30 per cent. The turf was laid at the end of February, followed by the installation of heiler’s Sporthybrid R hybrid turf system in the summer.

Artificial turf was also installed around the perimeter of the pitch. Pop-up sprinklers provide efficient irrigation. Experienced heiler staff maintained the turf during the first few months and successfully handed over the pitch to the club and the town in time for the start of the season.