groundskeeping

The 1%-ers: Inside Wembley's meticulous groundskeeping operation

Karl Standley, Wembley's head of grounds, and his six-strong team spend 17 hours preparing the 7,140 sq metre pitch for the FA Cup semi-final between Manchester City and Southampton. Every blade of ryegrass is cut to exactly 22mm, with blades tested on paper strands like surgeon's scalpels. The team uses AI analysis of moisture readings to calibrate 24 sprinklers applying precise water levels, while managing four distinct pitch conditions due to sun, shade and wind variations. The pitch, laid in August 2025, was transported in 700 strips in January 2026.