The Challenge: FIFA Requirements
FIFA regulations mandate that football fields must be equipped with effective heating systems to maintain optimal playing conditions year-round. DEVI proudly supports UEFA's social responsibility initiative, "Cleaner Air, Better Game," which aligns with our commitment to reducing the carbon footprint and achieving carbon neutrality in sports infrastructure. One prime example of this commitment is Cluj Arena in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Cluj Arena, a prominent stadium in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, faced a critical challenge to meet FIFA’s requirement for heated football fields. With Romania’s cold winters, it was crucial to prevent frost on the field, ensuring safe playing conditions and year-round usability. Moreover, the solution needed to align with UEFA’s "Cleaner air, better game" initiative, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions.
This impressive, multipurpose stadium—measuring 105m by 68m and seating up to 30,201 spectators—is the sixth largest in Romania. Here, DEVI’s electric heating system ensures a reliable, eco-friendly solution that keeps the field in peak condition, regardless of weather.
The Solution: Reliable and Efficient Heating Installation
To tackle this, an electric heating system from DEVI was installed at Cluj Arena. Over just two days, a dedicated team laid 36 kilometers of DEVIflex™ heating cables, controlled by DEVIreg™ 316 thermostats, across the 105m x 68m field. The installation, with a total heating output of 654 kW, divided the pitch into six independently controlled zones, allowing efficient and targeted frost protection.
The electric heating system’s quick installation time, low maintenance, and compatibility with natural grass made it an ideal solution for Cluj Arena.
The setup includes 36 km of DEVIflex™ heating cables, managed by DEVIreg™ 316 thermostats, which control the system across six heating zones. With a total output of 654kW, this system ensures optimal performance even in the coldest weather.
Project overview:
Field size: 105m × 68m
Total output 654kW
36km of heating cable installed with toll
Products:
DEVIflex™ 18T, 105m – 348 pcs. DEVIreg™ 316 – 6 pcs
Year of implementation: 2023
The Result: All-Weather Performance and Compliance
The DEVI electric heating installation transformed Cluj Arena into a safer, more sustainable venue.
The heating system ensures that the field remains frost-free even in harsh winter conditions, minimizing the risk of postponements due to weather. Now the stadium can support uninterrupted gameplay and training throughout the year, meeting international standards and contributing to cleaner air through reduced carbon emissions.
The project underscored the benefits of electric heating for sports fields: safety, sustainability, and year-round usability.
Main benefits – Sports Field Heating
A well-prepared field is an integral part of happy football players and a successful game, regardless of weather conditions.
Electric heating systems by DEVI installed inside the layer of ground ensure necessary playing conditions all year round.
There are many benefits provided by Electric Heating for sport fields’ frost protection including:
- Increase safety by making football fields frost free
- Prolonging pitch usage
- No need to postpone games due to the weather conditions
- Fulfilling international standards requirements
- Quick installation time and maintenance free
- Flexibility meaning that electric heating systems suit both for field with natural or artificial turfs.
