Muga pitches are ideal for schools, universities, sports clubs and gyms because they allow multiple different sports to be played on the same surface. This saves organizations money and space compared to constructing individual areas for each sport.
These specialised surfaces are often built from a mix of materials depending on the sports and usage intended. Tarmac is usually used in a Type 1 or Type 2 MUGA as it’s an open graded, frost resistant and porous material that can be laid atop free-draining stone. It’s ideally applied in two separate layers, a binding base offering stability and strength and then the playing layer that allows markings to be painted onto it.
The Art and Science of Muga Pitches: A Comprehensive Guide
Another popular type of MUGA surface is polymeric. This is made from EPDM and/or SBR rubber granules bound together with slip-resistant polyurethane. This is then laid on top of a macadam surface and is typically offered in green or red colours. This type of MUGA is suitable for sports that require a high grip including netball and tennis.
All weather MUGA pitches are becoming more and more popular as the technology behind them improves and people look for ways to make more use of the facilities they have. It’s also a more environmentally friendly option than actual grass fields because they don’t need to be regularly trimmed, aerated or mowed like a normal grass pitch would. This reduces water consumption, introduces fewer pesticides and eliminates the need for chemicals to ensure the MUGA remains green in excessively dry periods.