Murrayfield Stadium

Client: SRU
Completion date: October 2025
HF divisions involved:

Electrical

Brief Project Description: When the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) began the redevelopment of the iconic Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium pitch, one critical part of the upgrade was ensuring the grass could stay in peak condition throughout the year. To achieve this, the stadium required a new electrical system to power high-load grow light rigs — a crucial element in maintaining a world-class playing surface.

Our team was tasked with designing and delivering a robust, high-capacity power system for the stadium’s new grow lights. These systems demand significant electrical load and absolute reliability — any failure could impact pitch maintenance and game schedules.

Complicating the challenge were several key constraints:

• A tight construction timeline: The works had to be completed in line with the stadium’s overall redevelopment schedule and before the start of the new season.

• A live site environment: The project had to progress safely and efficiently alongside other contractors, with ongoing pitch works and stadium operations continuing around us.

• Complex logistics: Installing new power infrastructure in and around the pitch required meticulous coordination to protect existing systems and maintain site safety standards.

The brief from the client was simple but demanding — design it, build it, and deliver it on time.

From the outset, collaboration was at the heart of our approach. Our engineers worked closely with SRU’s operations team, pitch consultants, and turf specialists to design a bespoke electrical system that was safe, efficient, and future-ready.

The solution combined innovative electrical design with the reliability and durability needed for a stadium of this scale. Key elements included:

• Purpose-built pitch-side power points designed for quick and secure connection of the grow light rigs.

• Underground cabling and weatherproof containment systems to ensure resilience against the elements and reduce maintenance requirements.

• Strategically placed distribution boards and isolators for safe and easy operation by stadium staff.

• Full compliance with BS7671 standards, ensuring the installation met the highest electrical safety and performance requirements.

Every aspect of the design was developed with longevity and practicality in mind. The result is a system that integrates seamlessly into the stadium’s operations — reliable, easy to use, and built to withstand the demands of year-round use.

Project Challenges: Time was tight. Working in a stadium environment means schedules are non-negotiable — the pitch had to be ready for upcoming fixtures, and delays were not an option.

Through meticulous planning and proactive communication, our team coordinated all site activities to keep the project moving smoothly. Clear communication with other contractors was essential to avoid clashes and ensure safe working conditions at all times.

Our project managers and engineers remained flexible, adapting to changes in site conditions and sequencing as the broader redevelopment progressed. Despite the challenges, we maintained focus on quality, safety, and timely delivery.

Long days, strong teamwork, and a commitment to excellence paid off — the new electrical system was installed, tested, and commissioned on schedule and within budget.

The completed installation now powers the grow light systems that keep the Murrayfield pitch in immaculate condition, match after match. With dependable access to power, the stadium’s grounds team can maintain the surface to elite-level standards, regardless of weather or season.

The new infrastructure provides:

• Reliable power delivery for multiple grow light rigs simultaneously.

• Improved efficiency and safety through high-quality components and carefully planned electrical design.

• Ease of operation and maintenance, ensuring stadium staff can manage the system confidently and effectively.

It’s a system that not only supports the current demands of the stadium but also provides flexibility for future upgrades as technology and requirements evolve.

Why HF Was the Perfect Fit

This project is a clear example of why HF continues to be a trusted partner for complex, high-profile projects across the sports and facilities sector.

Our experience in delivering large-scale mechanical and electrical solutions means we understand the balance between technical excellence, tight deadlines, and live operational environments. Whether working in a hospitality venue, hotel, or stadium, we bring the same disciplined approach — collaboration, safety, and quality at every stage.

Our in-house capabilities allow us to handle everything from initial design through to final commissioning, ensuring accountability and consistency throughout the project. Combined with a culture of open communication and a can-do attitude, we deliver results that clients can rely on.

At Murrayfield, our expertise and teamwork ensured the SRU’s vision became a reality on time, to specification, and with no disruption to the wider redevelopment.

From our engineers on the ground to our design and project management teams, everyone played their part in delivering a complex installation under pressure.

We’re proud to have contributed to such an important upgrade at one of Scotland’s most prestigious sporting venues — and proud to see our work powering the pitch that continues to host world-class rugby.