Toronto FC May Convert BMO Field To Permanent Natural Grass

BMO Field May Be Converted To Permanent Natural Grass Surface As Soon As This Fall

If MLS Toronto FC (TFC) officials "have their way, the conversion of BMO Field to a permanent natural grass surface could begin as soon as this fall," according to Chris Young of the TORONTO STAR. A natural grass field "requires an acceptable plan for a downtown replacement for the multipurpose year-round facility owned by the city and the revenues it generates, agreement from provincial and federal stakeholders in the 20,000-seat, $63[M] stadium, clearance at the committee level, and debate and subsequent approval at Toronto council's first fall meeting on Sept. 30-Oct. 1." Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Exec VP & COO Tom Anselmi: "We're committed to putting (grass) in, and we'll write the $3[M]-plus cheque for (conversion)." TFC's exhibition match against Real Madrid at BMO Field on August 7 "will be played on real grass stitched together for the occasion," while TFC's regular MLS home games will "continue on a deteriorating FieldTurf surface." TFC Dir of Business Operations Paul Beirne: "We're pushing very hard to have a shovel in the ground to start on the conversion process by this fall" (TORONTO STAR, 6/12).

GRASS IS GREENER: In Atlanta, Larry Hartstein reports when Mexico and Venezuela play a soccer match at the Georgia Dome on June 24, they will "do so on natural grass." The Georgia Dome "never has held an event on natural grass," but this summer it "will host two." The July 22 exhibition between AC Milan and Club America also "will be played on grass" (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 6/12).