What is the difference between a MUGA and a 3G pitch?

The benefits of sports on mental health & wellbeing feature image blog Schoolhire Solutions Ltd
The benefits of sports on mental health & wellbeing
March 16, 2023
The importance of sports clubs for children Blog feature image - Schoolhire Solutions Ltd
The importance of sports clubs for children
March 16, 2023
What is the difference between a MUGA and a 3G pitch Schoolhire Solutions Blog feature image

What is a MUGA pitch and how does it differ from a 3G pitch?

The term MUGA stands for ‘Multi Use Games Area’ and describes a pitch that is suitable for multiple sports and sports types; such as rugby, football and hockey. So, what is the difference between a MUGA and a 3G pitch?

What is the difference between a MUGA and a 3G pitch?

MUGA’s have been popular in schools for many years and – until relatively recently – were largely only available as macadam surfacing; macadam being suitable for a variety of sports, such as tennis, basketball & netball.

And, whilst macadam is still a popular option, today however, there are various types of Multi Use Games Areas [surfaces] available, including – 

  • Polymeric 
  • High grip polymeric 
  • Sand-infill artificial grass (with shockpad)
  • Sand-infill artificial grass (w/o shockpad)
  • Sand-dress synthetic turf

Within this – and important in answering the question of what is the difference between a MUGA and a 3G pitch? is the key point that, in terms of the technical categorisation(s), a 3G pitch is actually considered to be a type of MUGA pitch. 

This type of pitch is best suited to football and rugby, and is made from long-pile synthetic fibres which are infilled with both sand and rubber crumb; the crumb providing a good ‘bounce’. 

Also of note is the fact that different MUGA types (or surfaces) are best suited to different varieties of sporting activities. For example, a macadam surface is ideal for rebound sports such as basketball, netball and tennis, whereas a polymeric surface is best suited to general recreational and sporting use and, due to its shock absorbency, is not recommended for rebound sports like those mentioned above (tennis, basketball etc.).

 

To browse the sports facilities available for hire as part of our growing directory, please click here

Alternatively, sign up to our email newsletter for monthly email updates.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *