New season preview: VfB Stuttgart
A new season starts for VfB Stuttgart, and for Head Groundsman Fabian Riesterer, preparation starts long before the first whistle.
After more than four years at the club, Fabian and his team are preparing the stadium and training pitches for another demanding season, with Champions League football returning to Stuttgart.
“We are standing here on the freshly laid pitch,” Fabian explains. “Today, we started installing the natural grass. We removed the existing fibres from the previous hybrid system, prepared the surface and then started laying the new turf.”
The next step is to turn the new surface into a hybrid pitch once again. “Tomorrow, we will start stitching the pitch to create the new hybrid system.”
A fresh start
The new pitch represents a fresh start after a challenging end of last season. “For this season, our main focus is to start with a high-quality pitch and deliver strong playing surfaces for the Champions League matches we are lucky enough to host here,” Fabian says.
The objective is clear: improve the quality of the pitch and build on the experience of last season. “Keep on improving our pitch quality,” Fabian says when asked about his goals for the coming season.
Last season brought some difficult moments, particularly after the MHP Arena hosted the European League of Football Championship Game between the Vienna Vikings and Stuttgart Surge (24–0) in September.
“We faced some challenges afterwards, particularly with the colour and appearance of the hybrid pitch. During the season, we cannot simply replace the surface or carry out a full re-turf, so we had to manage the pitch with the conditions we had.”
Those experiences have influenced the team’s preparation for the new season.
Preparing for a different schedule
The return of Champions League football brings a different rhythm to the stadium compared with last season’s Europa League campaign. “Last season, Europa League matches were played on Thursdays, followed by league matches on Sundays. That made the schedule particularly demanding for the grounds team and meant working almost every weekend.”
The Champions League schedule offers a little more breathing room. “The Champions League schedule is more manageable, with matches on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and league fixtures often on Saturdays.”
For Fabian, managing the schedule is not just about maintaining the pitch. It is also about managing the people behind it. “It makes it easier for the team to manage the workload and avoid working every weekend. And, of course, having time for our families is important too.”
Preparing for every challenge
The schedule will not be the only challenge. Stuttgart’s weather can put significant pressure on the pitch, particularly during periods of heat and high temperatures.
Fabian sees the new pitch as an important part of his strategy. “With this freshly installed turf, which is 100% bluegrass, we expect to have a stronger foundation to deal with the heat and disease pressure we experience in Germany, particularly during periods of high temperatures.”
As the season progresses, the team will also have to prepare for the colder months. Technology will play an important role in maintaining pitch quality when natural growing conditions become more challenging. “We also have technical solutions, such as the lighting system, that can help us maintain strong turf growth and pitch quality through the winter.”
The aim is to combine the new pitch, careful preparation and the right technology to stay ahead of the challenges throughout the season. “We try to be prepared for every match and for any challenges that may come our way.”
Ready for the new season
With a fresh hybrid pitch, Champions League nights ahead and lessons from last season to build on, Fabian and his team are preparing for another busy year.
The approach is one of constant preparation and improvement. By combining experience, careful planning and technology, the team is ready to adapt to whatever the season brings.
For Fabian, the goal remains simple: give VfB Stuttgart the best possible playing surface, whatever the schedule or conditions may bring.
The pitch is ready. Now, it’s time for the new season to begin.
