Dragons Rugby and Newport County AFC have this week invested in a dome cover over the pitch ahead of a big weekend of fixtures for both teams.
The cover - which was previously used for County’s Emirates FA Cup fixtures against Plymouth Argyle and Blackburn Rovers in 2016 – has been deployed in a bid to ensure the Rodney Parade pitch does not fall victim to the freezing temperatures.
Dragons welcome Ospreys in a Guinness PRO14 Welsh derby clash on Saturday evening before County’s Emirates FA Cup third round tie against Brighton & Hove Albion the following day.
The dome has been fully erected today (Thursday) ahead of the upcoming fixtures.
Dragons Rugby and Newport County AFC would like to thank Sports & Stadia Ltd, Speedfast Tool Hire and our dedicated team of groundstaff for their efforts in deploying the dome.
Mark Jones, Managing Director at Dragons, said: "We’re working closely together with Newport County AFC to invest in the dome and ensure we do absolutely everything we can to protect the playing surface.
"With freezing temperatures and potentially snow forecast in the coming days it was vital we took action. Our thanks go to our partners and staff for their outstanding efforts throughout this week.
"It’s a big weekend of sport in Newport and we hope the installation of the dome will ensure supporters can look forward to watching both the Dragons and County in action."
Nigel Stephenson, General Manager at Newport County AFC, added: "Ahead of two exciting fixtures for the city this weekend, we’re pleased to be working with Dragons Rugby to ensure the pitch is in the best condition possible.
"We're very grateful to the Rodney Parade groundstaff and our partners for their work in deploying the dome, and will be hoping for two positive results this weekend."
We’re working closely together with Newport County AFC to invest in the dome and ensure we do absolutely everything we can to protect the playing surface...
