West Ham – whilst having no veto of stop other clubs using the Olympic Stadium – do have rights to complain if they believe future events will damage the pitch.
However, the chances of the pitch being damaged may be remote after Newcastle staged three Rugby world cup games in eight days in St James Park on the same specification of Desso pitch that will be used at the Olympic Stadium.
Newcastle fans have been told they do need not worry about the state of the St James’ Park pitch.
South Africa and Scotland played at St James Park on Saturday 3rd October, followed by New Zealand v Tonga last Friday October 9th Scotland and Samoa completed the three-match run last Saturday leaving a full eight days until the Premier League visit of Norwich City this weekend.
Rugby and football is not uncommon on the same surface, clubs including Reading, Huddersfield, Watford, Wigan and Hull having shared their pitches with rugby clubs in recent years.
Advances in pitch technology make wear and tear less of an issue, Newcastle among the many clubs to have installed a Desso pitch which is also used at the Boleyn Ground.
Dilutable paint has been used to lay the pitch markings for the Premier League football season to date, which can be totally washed out for the rugby.The same paint will be used for the rugby lines to ensure a totally clean removal by the time Premier League duty resumes.
The Newcastle experience in the Rugby world cup increases the chances of multiple games whether Rugby or football being played at the Olympic Stadium during West Ham’s season with the Hammers have little evidence that the pitch would suffer.
Good news.