Subbuteo will launch a new rubber-backed pitch that can be rolled out with wrinkles, the brand has announced.
New licensee Longshore, based in Hong Kong, has revealed a first look at the new Deluxe Pitch but has not revealed prices or where it will be available for UK customers.
The new Deluxe Pitch is a positive move from the brand. It can be rolled up and stored and because of the rubber-backed design it will not need to be ironed. It means newcomers to the brand will be able to roll out the pitch and play quickly.
Previously rubber-backed pitches were sold by Subbuteo as ‘Astro’ branded pitches. They were sold in tubes and are widely regarded as the one of the best pitches ever sold by the brand itself.
Since Subbuteo’s success with the Astro pitch in the 1980s onwards others have perfected the idea of a roll-up pitch. Extreme Base and Astrobase both sell premium astro pitches, while UK-based Subbuteo World has several pitches under the Pegasus brand, including new snow-effect and beach-effect designs in collaboration with Youtube channel Table Football Monthly.
The new Subbuteo design is entering an already competitive market and price will be key to its success. However, once again the brand’s cryptic social media launches have not revealed when or even if the pitch will be on sale for UK customers.
It follows unusual launches for a new 2020/21 range of official Subbuteo items. Following the launch of England and standard blue and red team box sets last year, Subbuteo has since launched a new range of fences and a controversial VAR set. However, a set of four new teams will not be made available to UK customers and was criticised for the low quality of the players and sloppy design.
The pitch is the latest new accessory to come from Longshore and we will update when buying information is available.
