Rain Bird Football Field Irrigation Systems

Recommended Irrigation Layouts for Natural Grass Football Fields

Rain Bird provides three distinct packages tailored to different needs:

• Economic Package: Ideal for schools, sports complexes, and public fields. Features essential irrigation equipment for a smaller field (40 x 60 m), designed for simplicity and quick installation. Includes the ESP-LXME2 controller and 20 x 6504 PC/FC rotors.
• Professional Package: Suited for universities, professional teams, and stadiums. Offers a complete irrigation system for official-sized fields (105 x 68 m) with professional-grade components. Features the ESP-LXME2 Pro controller with IQ4 central control and 35 x 8005SS rotors.
• Premium Package: Designed for top-tier competition like professional leagues, the World Cup, and Olympics. Provides the highest performance components for international-standard football fields (105 x 68 m). Includes the ESP-LXIVM Pro controller with IQ4 central control and 35 x 8005SS rotors.

Key Benefits of Irrigating Natural Grass Fields

1. Maintain Health: Regular, programmed irrigation promotes deep root growth, leading to firmer field traction and a more visually appealing sports surface.
2. Ensure Playability: Healthy, resilient turf can withstand the demands of frequent games and practices.
3. Cost-Effectiveness: Consistent irrigation prevents dry spots that require additional maintenance, freeing up labor and budget for other projects.

Field Design Considerations

Water Pressure

System designs are based on minimum pressure requirements downstream of the backflow prevention device. If sufficient pressure is not available, a booster pump may be necessary. Contact a Rain Bird representative for appropriate pump selection.

Irrigation Scheduling

Rain Bird controllers help schedule irrigation to occur within available water capacity and designated usage times. FloManager™ (Premium package) optimizes hydraulic demand for maximum water availability and reduced irrigation time.

Water Quality

For sites using recycled water, Rain Bird recommends valves and rotors specifically designed for recycled water applications. Refer to the product table for suitable options for potable and non-potable water.

Product Selection Table:

Rain Bird provides these layouts as typical examples. It is recommended to consult a qualified irrigation designer for site-specific projects.

Economic Package 1

For schools, sports complexes, and public fields.

• Includes all necessary irrigation equipment for a football field.
• Designed for smaller fields (40 x 60 m), suitable for amateurs and youth.
• Simple design ensures quick and easy installation.
• Features a modular controller for future system upgrades (e.g., IQ4 centralized control, flow sensing).

Football Field Requirements:

• Minimum Water Pressure: 95 PSI (6.6 BAR)
• Minimum Flow Rate: 55 GPM (208 L/M)

1 x ESP-LXME2 Controller (12 stations)

The ESP-LXME2 offers flexible features and modular options ideal for football fields. Upgradeable options include modular station capacity, flow sensing, metal cases, and IQ4 communication cartridges.

20 x 6504 PC and FC Rotors

• Rain Curtain™ nozzles provide optimal long, medium, and short-range watering for healthy turf.
• Multi-function wiper seal and retractable riser keep the rotor clean and protected.
• Five-year commercial warranty.

Specifications:

• Radius of Throw: 65' (19.8 m)
• Precipitation Rate: 0.37 to 1.14 in/hr (9 to 29 mm/hr)
• Optimal Pressure: 30 to 90 psi (2.1 to 6.2 bar)
• Optimal Flow Rate: 2.9 to 21.7 gpm (10.8 to 82.2 l/m)

8 x PGA Series Valves

• Durable and easy-to-maintain valves proven to perform under demanding conditions.
• Durable PVC and glass-filled nylon construction.
• Slow closing to prevent water hammer.
• Globe and angle configuration for design flexibility.
• Three-year commercial warranty.

Accessories:

• 16 x WC20 Cable Connectors
• 10 x VB-1ØRND (2) VBJMB (8) Valve Boxes

Water Pressure: Minimum required 95 psi, 6.6 bar

Flow Rate: Minimum required 55 gpm, 208 l/m

Economic Package 2

For schools, sports complexes, and public fields.

• Includes all necessary irrigation equipment for a football field.
• Designed for slightly larger fields (60 x 95 m), suitable for amateurs and youth.
• Simple 3-lateral line design ensures quick and easy installation.
• Features a modular controller for future system upgrades (e.g., IQ4 centralized control, flow sensing).

Football Field Requirements:

• Minimum Water Pressure: 95 PSI (6.6 BAR)
• Minimum Flow Rate: 100 GPM (378 L/M)

1 x ESP-LXIVM Controller (60 stations)

The ESP-LXIVM utilizes two-wire technology, ideal for sports fields. It supports up to 60 stations, 10 programs, 5 flow sensors, and 4 weather sensors. It is compatible with Rain Bird's intelligent valves and can be upgraded for IQ4 centralized control.

35 x 6504 PC and FC Rotors

• Rain Curtain™ nozzles provide optimal distribution and close-in watering for superior uniformity.
• Memory Arc® returns the rotor to its original arc setting.
• Anti-backlash drive mechanism prevents vandalism.
• Brass-reinforced riser withstands vandalism.
• Easy arc adjustment (wet or dry) from 50° to 330° or a full 360° circle.

Specifications:

• Radius of Throw: 65' (19.8 m)
• Precipitation Rate: 0.37 to 1.14 in/hr (9 to 29 mm/hr)
• Optimal Pressure: 30 to 90 psi (2.1 to 6.2 bar)
• Optimal Flow Rate: 2.9 to 21.7 gpm (10.8 to 82.2 l/m)

11 x PGA-IVM Series Valves

• Durable and easy-to-maintain valves proven to perform under demanding conditions.
• Durable PVC and glass-filled nylon construction.
• Slow closing to prevent water hammer.
• Globe and angle configuration for design flexibility.
• Three-year commercial warranty.

Accessories:

• 22 x WC20 Cable Connectors
• 15 x VB-10RND (4) VBJMB (11) Valve Boxes

Water Pressure: Minimum required 95 psi, 6.6 bar

Flow Rate: Minimum required 100 gpm, 378 l/m

Professional Package

For universities, professional teams, and stadiums.

• Complete irrigation system for official-sized football fields (105 x 68 meters).
• Features first-class, commercial-grade, professional components.
• Includes IQ4 centralized control and flow sensing for advanced management.

Football Field Requirements:

• Minimum Water Pressure: 100 PSI (6.9 BAR)
• Minimum Flow Rate: 200 GPM (757 L/M)

1 x ESP-LXME2 Pro Controller with IQ4 Centralized Control (12 stations)

The ESP-LXME2 Pro offers flexible features and modular options for football fields. It supports modular station capacity, pump-start relay, flow sensing, metal cases, and IQ4G communication cartridges, allowing for future upgrades.

35 x 8005SS Rotors with Turf Cup

• Rain Curtain™ nozzles ensure optimal distribution and close-in watering for superior uniformity.
• Memory Arc® returns the rotor to its original arc setting.
• Anti-backlash drive mechanism prevents vandalism.
• Brass-reinforced riser withstands vandalism.
• Easy arc adjustment (wet or dry) from 50° to 330° or a full 360° circle.

Specifications:

• Radius of Throw: 80' (24.38 m)
• Precipitation Rate: 0.48 to 1.23 in/hr (12 to 13 mm/hr)
• Optimal Pressure: 50 to 100 psi (2.1 to 6.2 bar)
• Optimal Flow Rate: 3.8 to 36.3 gpm (14.4 to 137.4 l/m)

11 x PEB Series Valves

• Durable plastic construction for extended life.
• Industrial-strength glass-filled nylon construction is ideal for commercial applications.
• Five-year commercial warranty.
• Slow closing to prevent water hammer.
• Globe configuration.

Accessories:

• 1 x FS300P Flow Sensor
• 15 x VB-10RND (4) VBJMB (11) Valve Boxes
• 4 x 5LRC Quick Coupling Valves
• 35 x TSJ-12075, TSJ-12 Swing Joints
• 22 x WC20 Cable Connectors
• 35 x SODCUP Turf Cups

Water Pressure: Minimum required 100 psi, 6.9 bar

Flow Rate: Minimum required 200 gpm, 757 l/m

Premium Package

For top-tier competition: First division, World Cup, and Olympics.

• Complete irrigation system for international-standard football fields (105 x 68 meters).
• Features highest-performance components.
• Includes advanced remote management and alerts with IQ4 and flow sensing.

Football Field Requirements:

• Minimum Water Pressure: 100 PSI (6.9 BAR)
• Minimum Flow Rate: 200 GPM (757 L/M)

1 x ESP-LXIVM Pro Controller with IQ4 Centralized Control

• Two-wire system for fast, easy installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Supports up to 240 stations, 40 programs, 10 flow sensors, and 8 weather sensors.
• Advanced features include FloWatch™, FloManager™, Cycle+Soak™, and diagnostic functions.
• The IQ4 platform provides powerful remote water management tools for monitoring water savings.

35 x 8005SS Rotors with Turf Cup

• Rain Curtain™ nozzles ensure optimal distribution and close-in watering for superior uniformity.
• Memory Arc® returns the rotor to its original arc setting.
• Anti-backlash drive mechanism prevents vandalism.
• Brass-reinforced riser withstands vandalism.
• Easy arc adjustment (wet or dry) from 50° to 330° or a full 360° circle.

Specifications:

• Radius of Throw: 80' (24.38 m)
• Precipitation Rate: 0.48 to 1.23 in/hr (12 to 13 mm/hr)
• Optimal Pressure: 50 to 100 psi (2.1 to 6.2 bar)
• Optimal Flow Rate: 3.8 to 36.3 gpm (14.4 to 137.4 l/m)

11 x PEB-IVM Series Valves

• Durable plastic construction for extended life.
• Industrial-strength glass-filled nylon construction is ideal for commercial applications.
• Five-year commercial warranty.
• Slow closing to prevent water hammer.
• Globe configuration.

Accessories:

• 1 x FS300P Flow Sensor
• 5 x VB-10RND (4) VBJMB (11) Valve Boxes
• 4 x 44-LRC Quick Coupling Valves
• 35 x TSJ-12075, TSJ-12 Swing Joints
• 22 x WC20 Cable Connectors
• 35 x SODCUP Turf Cups

Water Pressure: Minimum required 100 psi, 6.9 bar

Flow Rate: Minimum required 200 gpm, 757 l/m