Blue pitch for hockey

It will be the first time a major hockey tournament has been played on a blue surface since artificial green turf began to replace natural grass pitches in the 1970s.

It is hoped that the vivid colour combination will provide a better spectacle for fans at London's Olympic Park hockey venue and those watching on television.  "As we look to be innovative as well as providing first class facilities, we are pleased to be working with the International Hockey Federation and installing blue hockey pitches in 2012," Debbie Jevans, London 2012's Director of Sport, said in a statement.

"We have carried out research with athletes and broadcasters and are looking forward to world class hockey being played at a bespoke venue on a blue pitch. The colour blue will define hockey in 2012."  The temporary hockey venue, which will be built early next year, will hold 16,000 fans.