"The renovation of our facilities is a clear commitment to sports, our clubs, and public infrastructure prepared to host top-tier competitions," said the Mayor of San Fernando, Patricia Cavada.
San Fernando, Cádiz, will host an international triangular hockey tournament from January 21 to 30, 2027, featuring the national teams of Spain, the Netherlands, and Malaysia. The Royal Spanish Hockey Federation (RFEH) announced the event during a national forum of regional federation presidents held in the city, europapress.es reported.
Thirteen regional representatives and the national federation’s leadership attended the gathering. The group visited the Pablo Negre municipal field to examine the new "Dry Hockey" surface, the first of its kind installed in Spain.
The new GreenFields PURE EP system installed at the Pablo Negre field is a "dry" hockey surface that functions without the need for irrigation. This technology maintains optimal playing conditions without water consumption, changing how the sport approaches sustainability.
The field has received official homologation from the International Hockey Federation (FIH), confirming it meets all requirements for hosting international matches. In addition to the turf, the municipal complex has undergone a broader modernization, including the installation of new LED lighting systems to improve visibility for evening play and broadcasts.
During the technical site visit, representatives from the installation firm OPSA detailed the system’s specifications to the visiting federation heads. Israel García, technical director of the Club de Hockey San Fernando, reported that the club’s experience with the surface over the first six months of operation has been "very satisfactory."
Mayor Cavada said that the RFEH’s decision to select San Fernando for this international event serves as a recognition of the city’s ongoing commitment to sports infrastructure. The tournament is expected to solidify the Pablo Negre field’s status as a primary venue for high-level hockey in Spain.
What makes the new pitch different from traditional surfaces?
The new GreenFields PURE EP surface is a "dry" system that does not require the traditional watering process used on older synthetic pitches to reduce friction and heat. This reduces operational costs and water usage while maintaining the technical standards required by the International Hockey Federation.
Which teams are confirmed for the 2027 tournament?
The triangular tournament will feature the national teams of Spain, the Netherlands, and Malaysia. The event is scheduled to run for ten days, from January 21 to January 30, 2027.
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