MacLeod Cover Systems

Protecting FA Cup 4th Round Tie

Client / Event

The FA & Cambridge United FC

Fixture

FA Cup 4th Round, live on BBC

Location

Abbey Stadium, Cambridge

Date

January 2015

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Product

MacLeod Covers™

Sport

Mens Football

Division

Domestic Competition

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Our Challenge

The FA Cup 4th Round fixture between Cambridge United and Manchester United was selected for live television broadcast by the BBC, placing huge importance on ensuring the game went ahead.

However, several challenges threatened the match:

  • A natural soil-based pitch with no undersoil heating, vulnerable to frost.
  • Adverse weather forecasts, predicting extended sub-zero day and night-time temperatures.
  • Pitch quality concerns and limited drainage capacity in the event of precipitation.
  • LED board positioning and access restrictions at the Abbey Stadium.
  • The need for a temporary installation and anchor system to support the MacLeod Covers.
More Info

FIXED ANCHORS AND RATCHET STRAPS​

Ensures system is fixed securely when flat or inflated. ​

SEMI-AUTOMATED REELS: FOR SHEETS AND TUBE​

Automatically reels sheets off playing surface​. Compact storage (equivalent to 4 car parking bays) or ability to store off-site if required.

FAN HEATER UNIT: CENTRIFUGAL FAN​

Creates apex to dispense water & facilitate pitch access.​ Increases air temperature by transporting warm air along the length of the pitch​.

CENTRAL INFLATABLE TUBE: SUPPORT TUBE​​

Inflates tube to raise apex to 5 / 5.5m​. Supplies heat and generates sufficient air flow to regulate temperature, promote grass growth & enhance surface quality.​

RANSLUCENT COVER :​ 6/7 SHEETS ZIPPED TOGETHER

Hydrophobic membrane repels water.​ Swift snow removal direct from cover.​ Insulates soil temperature & provides warm air flow if required.

ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS

Air flow ducts x 4 + Hydraulic hoses Dew brushes x 4 + Stihl fan unit x 4 + Snowbrushes x 2 + Machinery + Drum fans

IT’S THE NUMBERS THAT COUNT

The Ultimate Pitch Management System

The deployment of the MacLeod System at Cambridge United FC delivered measurable results, ensuring the FA Cup 4th Round fixture went ahead smoothly despite severe weather risks.

4
Days & Nights

Continuous on-site monitoring and system management.

100
Protection Achieved

Preventing a high-profile televised fixture from cancellation.

0
Disruption

To players, officials, or broadcasters despite sub-zero weather.

1
Televised Game

Protecting the FA Cup schedule and the BBC broadcasting

The Plan

Solution

Following a detailed site survey and pitch consultation, Sports & Stadia Services worked closely with the FA and Cambridge United FC to identify risks, agree mitigation strategies, and prepare contingency plans.

Key steps included:

  • Confirming fixture timings and pitch use in the build-up to the televised game.
  • Consulting on pitch quality, frost protection access, and LED signage positioning.
  • Assessing perimeter drainage capacity and managing precipitation risks.
  • Ensuring backup power supply was identified and available.
  • Daily consultation with the club and FA, alongside constant weather monitoring.

”Since 2001 the service has succeeded in significantly reducing the risk of postponements of live televised games in the world’s most famous cup competition.

The FAGovernance Department
Outcome

Results

The partnership between Sports & Stadia Services, the FA, and Cambridge United FC ensured a high-profile televised FA Cup tie went ahead without disruption, protecting both the competition and the broadcaster from the financial and reputational impact of postponement.

Key outcomes included:

  • Zero risk of cancellation, despite severe weather conditions.
  • Safe, high-quality surface delivered for players and officials.
  • Uninterrupted broadcast schedule for the BBC and the FA.
  • Seamless collaboration between Sports & Stadia, the club, and stakeholders.
FINAL RESULTS

Project Conclusion

This project highlights Sports & Stadia Services’ ability to deliver fast, effective, and collaborative solutions under high-pressure conditions. By working closely with the FA and Cambridge United FC, we ensured that one of the biggest fixtures of the FA Cup 4th Round went ahead smoothly, showcasing once again the reliability of the MacLeod Cover System and the expertise of our team.

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PROTECT THE PITCH. SAVE THE GAME.

Protection, whatever
the weather.

From rain to shine, our solutions are designed to shield what matters most. Ready to feel the difference?

Get protected today