HC Indiana Hockey Club has become the first to install Lano Sports’ S-Tec Orbion II artificial turf, as advancement in sustainable hockey pitch technology continues.
The surface is among the first to meet the International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) new ‘dry non-irrigated’ standards, aligning with the sport’s move towards eco-friendly practices ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
In 2024, HC Indiana, the fourth-largest club in Flanders, embarked on a mission to renovate one of its two pitches. The selection process involved player feedback and evaluations of various suppliers.
The S-Tec Orbion II turf addresses the FIH’s call for non-irrigated pitches that replicate the performance of traditional water-based surfaces without the extensive water usage—typically 12 to 18 cubic meters per match.
READ MORE: ‘World’s first dry hockey turf’ sets path to waterless pitches
“Since the 1976 Olympic Games, water pitches have been the standard,” explained Chris Vandenborre, Senior Product Development Manager at Lano Sports. “Our S-Tec Orbion II technology is our answer to developing a dry pitch that approaches or equals the advantages of a water-based pitch.”
The installation, completed within a tight three-month window during the summer break, was executed by Lano Sports’ partner, Scheerlinck, known for their work on national training pitches at Sportpark de Wilrijkse Pleinen in Antwerp.
“Our members only want to play on the new carpet,” Van Hoecke added. “The speed is incredible, even though we use three times less water than we used to. Even without watering, the quality of play remains outstanding.”
