Technical Specifications for the construction of a grass tennis court at the Palma Arena
Base composed of a # 2-limestone gravel layer 15 cm thick (6 inches). This assures the necessary drainage on the surface. Next, a second layer 7 cm (3 inches) thick −made of a clay-sand mixture− is spread and compacted in order to achieve the optimal soil conditions demanded by the game.
The top surface is made up of turf, including two varieties of the agrostis estalonifera species (i.e. Penn A4 and A1) with a further mixture of lolium perenne.
We will implement a program of phylosanitary and nutritional applications to prevent plagues, diseases and shortages. Besides, samples will be analyzed daily to establish the plants inside the court, where the indoor conditions are not so favorable for plants development. Thus, artificial light was located there to minimize the lack of natural light.
We are also conducting an exhaustive control of conditions both, of the environment and of the soil, to guarantee the proper growth of leaves and roots.
Finally, we will fine-tune the court by means of special surface maintenance techniques in accordance with specifications.
The grass will be cut, with a helical-blades lawnmower, at a 6 mm height (0.24 inches). Frequency of cutting will depend on the grass growth pace.
At this important event Javier Nuñez and José Hinarejos, Head Greenkeepers, are appointed as private consultant of IBESPORT.
Technical specifications for the construction of a clay tennis court at the Palma Arena
We start with a base composed of a limestone gravel layer 10 cm thick (4 inches) to allow a quick drainage of water from irrigation. Another filter layer of 10 cm thickness (4 inches) to keep humidity reinforces drainage.
Stretch and compaction of the gravel made up of calcic hydroxide, garden soil and a special hardener. This layer is 5 cm thick (2 inches), and supports clay.
After a careful cleaning up, we spread clay in very slight layers, and adapt the court to its professional usage.
The Jewel of Majorca
The Palma Arena Velodrome was built in 14 months and required an investment of approximately 50 million Euros. Its architectural design is spectacular and it has already hosted the Spanish Cycling Championship.
The Palma Arena exhibits a very special scenario. Its construction began in November 2005, following a project by Architect Ralp Shûrmann. Naturally there was an alma mater behind this enterprise; someone who was desperate to have a complex of that nature in his own country: cyclist Joan Llaneras, six times World Champion and Olympic King. A symbol of Spanish sport.
The cost of the Palma Arena is estimated in 50 million Euros, and one of the best locations of Majorca was reserved for it, on Uruguay Avenue. It was built in what is considered record time, in 14 months, on a plot of land of 295,276 square feet. As was stipulated in their objectives, it was inaugurated when the National Cycling Championships were held, on February 28th this year. Its distinguished architectural design, heated and with glass panes that allow natural light to enter from the Mediterranean, give it a physiognomy all its own. On that occasion, its capacity was for 5,000 people with a parking sector–roofed and open sky–for 1,000 automobiles.
The original idea–in the investment of which the Balearic Government participated actively–was not only to create a sports center, but also that it should act–based on its name–as a means of dispersing tourist congestion. Now the two best tennis players in the world, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will put Majorca on the World’s center stage.
