EXCLUSIVE: Kilmarnock to delay switch from plastic pitch to grass at Rugby Park until season after next

Kilmarnock have pushed back plans to revert to a grass pitch at Rugby Park until the start of season 2026-27.

The Ayrshire club received planning permission for their new Bowie Park Training Centre in June,

The construction date for the new state-of-the-art facility, situated between Kilmarnock and Crookedholm, was to coincide with the lifting of the artificial surface at Rugby Park in time for next season.

Mail Sport has now learned, however, that the completion date of the project has been pushed back – forcing Killie to retain their artificial pitch for another 12 months.

They are currently the only club in the Premiership playing on a synthetic surface, with champions Celtic due to play there on Sunday.

Plastic pitches are unpopular with opposition managers, players and fans, and Premiership clubs voted in May to outlaw their use in the top flight from 2026-27.

Rangers lost to Kilmarnock on the artificial surface at Rugby Park last month

Rangers boss Philippe Clement took a veiled dig at the Killie pitch after game

To soften the blow, clubs were given two years’ grace to complete the change, with Kilmarnock now set to do so immediately before the deadline.

Kilmarnock have pushed back plans to replace plastic pitch with grass

The change in plan coincides with a delay to construction of their new training centre

Rangers manager Philippe Clement took a veiled dig at the Rugby Park surface following his side’s Premiership defeat there last month.

Speaking after the Ibrox side bounced back with a home win against FCSB in the Europa League a few days later, the Belgian said: “A football game on grass, it is always more pleasant for everybody to see and watch and to play.’