Installation of Hydronic Heating System by SubAir Systems underway at New England Revolution Training Center

Hydronic Heating System by SubAir System (Photo: SubAir System)

The installation of a Hydronic Heating System by SubAir Systems is underway on the First Team practice field of the New England Revolution soccer team.

The latest in-field heating technology includes a 9-million BTU glycol-based heating system, designed by SubAir. More than 31 miles of 0.75-inch tubing snakes beneath the playing surface, providing unrivaled temperature management. The ability to heat and cool from underneath the field’s surface allows the Revolution to train outdoors year-round.

In-ground sensors relay real-time turf temperatures to SubAir’s patented TurfWatch Controls Technology to interpret and activate equipment.

Turf Superintendent Ryan Bjorn can view all temperatures and equipment operations remotely, see historical data and adjust equipment operations as necessary.

The $35-million training complex spans 68 acres in the wetlands behind Gillette Stadium. There are three natural grass training fields, including two newly constructed fields abutting the facility designed solely for First Team use and just steps away from the locker room. A third field, originally opened in August 2017, is now dedicated to the Revolution Academy.

The field subsurface tubing network infrastructure was completed during the 2019 field construction, explained Trey Crabill, Vice President of SubAir Sport. Installation of Hydronics’ heat unit and controls was initially suspended during health and safety precautions associated with COVID 19.

Using Turf Watch Technology in conjunction with the wireless in-ground sensors, SubAir’s Hydronic Heating System automatically adjusts to maximize field performance as well as ensure ideal growing conditions are maintained annually for the Revolution’s organization. Final installation of the Hydronics equipment is anticipated by December 2021.

This is not the first collaboration between SubAir and The Kraft Group, which also owns the New England Patriots. A SubAir Sport forced heat system is underneath the Patriots’ practice field.

Other sports fields that have Hydronics by SubAir installations include Columbus Crew Lower.com Stadium and the OhioHealth Performance Center Training Field, both with the SubAir Sport and Hydronics systems.