Turf the Grass

Long overdue! About time! What took ya?

Finally the Eskimos have made the right decision and have asked the city to split the cost of a new artificial turf for Commonwealth Stadium. The time has come to turf the grass and I love it.

Here's the thing. The new field turf has come so far in the past 5 years that it's almost like playing on a grass surface anyway. The old myth about more serious injuries on artificial turf goes back to the old Astro and Tartan turf days. The new stuff is simply far superior. Even FIFA approves of the stuff for World Cup qualifying. It's just a fair and reliable surface.

Three reasons why I love this decision. It will truly make Commonwealth Stadium a 'multi purpose' facility where you can host a rock concert one night and Eskimo game two of three nights later with ease. That can't be done now, and sometimes has even required the field be re-sod. NOT economical and just dumb. Also think of the ecological benefits too. No watering and no fumes from the mowers cutting the grass.

Secondly, finally the Eskimos can have some form of home field advantage when the weather gets crappy here in late October and November. An icy field in November was NOT an advantage for the Eskimos in the 2002 Grey Cup and many home playoff dates. Regardless of shoes... Ice is ice. Many Eskimos have told me that the field was a disadvantage once the weather got crappy.

Finally, the team will finally be able to practice 'inside' their home stadium, freeing up the Clarke Park field turf for even MORE community events like high school football, Huskies, Wildcats, soccer etc.

I'm generally a traditionalist, but the time has simply come to catch up to the rest of the league on this one. A great stadium needs to be great. The grass simply wasn't cutting it any more. Sorry.