Eye-catching Union Jack inspired hockey pitches unveiled at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre 

The vibrant red, white and blue Union Jack design of two new state-of-the art hockey pitches have been unveiled at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park today, Monday 23 December. The transformation of the venue, formerly known as Eton Manor and used for the wheelchair tennis event during the London 2012 Paralympic Games, is being undertaken by the London Legacy Development Corporation in preparation for its official opening in spring 2014.

The pitches measure 101m long and 63m wide including the run off areas, a feat which could easily make them one of the largest patriotic symbols in the country. The Union Jack themed pitch was rolled out by hand and is made from a water-based artificial turf that is designed to withstand wear and weather, meaning that the colour will remain vibrant for years to come. Both pitches, which will be used for competitions and training, can be floodlit to ensure play can happen all year round with four large floodlights each consisting of 40 light bulbs surrounding the main competitive pitch where 3,000 permanent seats can be extended to 15,000 for major events.

When it opens in spring 2014, Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre will play host to some of hockey’s top international tournaments. England Hockey recently won the bid to host the Women’s World Cup in 2018 and with the EuroHockey Championships already secured for August 2015, there is now an exciting calendar of major international hockey events to look forward to as the sport continues to go from strength to strength.

Dennis Hone, Chief Executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation, said: “We are on track to deliver yet another world-class sporting venue for use by both elite players and the local community. The Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre is just one of the iconic venues opening in spring next year alongside the Aquatics Centre, Lee Valley VeloPark and ArcelorMittal Orbit, making Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park a must visit destination at the heart of east London.”

Lee Valley Regional Park Authority Chief Executive Shaun Dawson said: “We’re delighted with these eye-catching new hockey pitches which certainly invoke memories from London 2012 and I’m sure they will prove popular with hockey players and supporters alike. These world class pitches will be shared by hockey players of all standards from international stars to complete beginners with an extensive programme to ensure they will be well used with constant daily participation. We’re looking forward to seeing the world’s best players in action on these state-of-the-art pitches over the next few years with the centre hosting an array of international competitions including the 2015 EuroHockey Championships and the 2018 Women’s World Cup.”

Sally Munday, England Hockey Chief Executive, said: “We’re really excited to have a fantastic venue for major competitions on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The fact that it is such an eye-catching design will help stimulate fans’ pride in the nation when they come to watch our matches. Like the Riverbank Arena during the Games, we’re sure that we will now have a venue which will generate a great atmosphere for spectators, and also a stadium at which hockey players will aspire to play.”

Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre will host community, club and elite programmes providing opportunities for everyone to get involved with both hockey and tennis and utilise the same premier facilities which will be used by the best players in the world. The venue will boast four indoor and six outdoor tennis courts as well as two of the best hockey pitches in the country and will host major hockey and tennis tournaments including:

• Investec London Cup (hockey) 2014
• NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters 2014, 2015, 1016
• European Hockey Championships 2015
• Women’s Champion Trophy (hockey) 2016
• Men’s World League Round 3 (hockey) 2017
• Women’s Hockey World Cup 2018

Images are attached and timelapse footage can be downloaded here.