The Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez Stadium, home to Junior de Barranquilla and the Colombian National Team, has entered a new phase of its modernization with the start of the installation of hybrid turf. The city's mayor, Alejandro Char, personally inspected the work and confirmed that the pitch will be fully operational in approximately two weeks. This German-developed technology promises a more durable surface and much faster recovery after matches and large-scale events.
Char explained that the new system will allow the stadium to host a concert and, the following day, a football match without the pitch suffering. The mixture of natural grass with synthetic fibers, injected about 20 centimeters deep, reinforces the root system and prevents the formation of holes or mud during rain. The mayor compared the quality of the pitch to that of Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu, assuring that the 'Supermetro' will be on par with the best stadiums in the world.
State-of-the-art technology
The hybridization process involves sowing natural grass while simultaneously injecting synthetic fibers using specialized machinery. As the mayor explained, 88 needles are used to penetrate kilometers of thread and secure the structure. More than 90% of the surface will be natural grass, and between 8% and 9% will be artificial , maintaining the appearance and feel of natural grass but with significantly greater structural stability. This combination allows the field to withstand intensive use without losing quality.
Among the most notable advantages, Char pointed out that hybrid turf significantly reduces the risk of player injuries, as the surface is more uniform and safer. Furthermore, maintenance is simplified and the pitch recovers in a matter of hours, multiplying the stadium's usage possibilities. This technology is already used in top-tier sports venues, such as Real Madrid's stadium, and is now arriving in Barranquilla to transform the Metropolitano into a venue with international standards for perfect turf.
How does hybrid grass work?
The technique, known as hybridization, mixes natural grass with synthetic fibers inserted 10 to 20 centimeters deep. As the roots grow, the two materials intertwine, forming a surface that retains the feel of natural grass but with a much stronger internal structure. This prevents the field from lifting during matches or concerts and reduces mud formation during the rainy season, providing more efficient drainage.
Mayor Char highlighted that the installation is progressing well and that the pitch will be fully completed in 14 days. The system will allow the stadium to host consecutive sporting and cultural events without affecting the quality of the field. With this project, the District aims to make the Roberto Meléndez Metropolitan Stadium a benchmark in South America, capable of competing with the quality of the pitch at the Monumental Stadium and other major world football venues.
The stadium's comprehensive transformation includes this new hybrid surface as a key element. The combination of over 90% natural grass with synthetic fibers offers a durable, low-maintenance solution , ideal for a venue that hosts both Junior matches and large-scale concerts. Fans and players alike will be able to enjoy a top-level playing surface, with the safety and performance demanded by professional football.
