Ipswich Town v Hull City weather update: Blues continue battle to beat the big freeze ahead of clash
The snowy scene at Portman Road on Thursday morning. - Credit: Archant
Heavy snow and freezing conditions continue to put Ipswich Town’s clash with Hull City under threat.
Heavy snow in the town closed businesses and schools on Wednesday, as well as causing disruption to transport links, while further showers throughout Thursday have again caused issues in Ipswich. Further snow is forecast on Friday night into Saturday morning.
The club are confident the Portman Road pitch will be ready for the game with Hull, but there is concern regarding the areas around and approaching stadium as well as concourses and seating areas.
MORE: ‘I’d like to see a lot more done in our game’ - Chambers on the PFA and head injury research
The playing surface has been covered since the club’s Under 23 game against West Brom on Monday afternoon, with hot air blowers able to heat the pitch once the layer of snow is removed.
The plan would be to leave those in place until Saturday morning before removing the covers and preparing the surface for the game.
You may also want to watch:
That will ensure the pitch is playable, although any further spells of heavy snow will mean they must be lowered, due to the weight of the snow, with ground covers only protecting the pitch from freezing temperatures to a certain degree.
A major consideration for the club is the safety of supporters when making any decisions surrounding Saturday’s game, with the condition of roads and paths around Portman Road as well as on the concourses and in the stands also playing a part.
MORE: Being Brenner! How the boy from Berwick-upon-Tweed became the voice of Ipswich Town on Radio Suffolk
Most Read
- 1 Murder suspect arrested after woman found dead at country park
- 2 'I absolutely want to be part of it' - Skipper Chambers on Cook and his Town future
- 3 Ipswich Town transfer rumours: Town linked with Feyenoord defender as Edwards 'attracts interest'
- 4 Giant Noah's Ark stuck on Ipswich Waterfront
- 5 Driver goes to court over speed camera calibration dispute
- 6 Paul Cook's takeover worry and why he cancelled today's pre-match press conference
- 7 First pictures: Which Suffolk pubs are preparing to reopen on April 12?
- 8 Matchday Live: Goalless at the break in first game of a new era at Town
- 9 Closing coastal footbridge will have 'devastating' impact, pub owner says
- 10 Careless driver who caused fatal crash is jailed
The worst-case scenario for the club would be heavy snowfall on Friday night, leaving little time to remove the snow and prepare the stadium and the surrounding area for action.
The snow brings back memories of the Blues’ televised game with Leicester in December 2010, when staff cleared the pitch during heavy snow.
Ipswich won the game 3-0, but not before the game was halted to enable the pitch to be cleared once again and the lines re-marked.