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Toronto FC: Groundskeeper says Calm Down About Sharing BMO Field

By Paul Taylor

May 23, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; The Toronto FC fans show their displeasure with the decision of Maple Sports & Entertainment having the Toronto Argonauts from the Canadian Football League use BMO Field as their new home field during the first half in a game against the Portland Timbers at BMO Field. Toronto FC won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; The Toronto FC fans show their displeasure with the decision of Maple Sports & Entertainment having the Toronto Argonauts from the Canadian Football League use BMO Field as their new home field during the first half in a game against the Portland Timbers at BMO Field. Toronto FC won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto FC Groundskeeper Robert Heggie advises everyone to simmer down about having to share BMO Field with the Toronto Argonauts.

Toronto FC fans have May 7 circled on their calendars, as it represents the first home game at the newly renovated BMO Field. However, they will also be keeping an eye on June 11, as the date for the Toronto Argonauts first game at their new home.

The preseason clash with the Hamilton Tiger-cats will mark the first of at least 11 (potentially up to 13) CFL games at BMO Field during 2016. Understandably, TFC supporters are concerned about how this will affect the playing surface.

The schedules of the two tenants have been arranged to give the pitch as much time as possible to recover from Argonauts games. The smallest gap is five days, once in July, but this is still not enough to alleviate the fears of a lot of Toronto FC fans.

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However, Robbie Heggie has a message for anyone worried about the situation. Speaking to Neil Davidson of The Canadian Press, the TFC head groundskeeper said: “I’ve always said there’s one person in Toronto that should be worried about this and it’s me.

“And I’m not overly worried about it. So if I’m not worried, everyone can just simmer down a little bit and let’s see what happens in June.”

Of course, it would be easy for the naysayers to concentrate on the last part of those comments. In truth though, that’s all we can do, while also trusting the words of someone who was named 2015 Sports Turf Canada’s turf manager of the year.

Heggie does acknowledge there will be some initial teething problems, due in part to Toronto FC’s home slate starting later than usual this season. Weather, especially rain, will also be an ongoing issue.

However, MLSE chief project development office Bob Hunter reassured Davidson everyone is focused on maintaining a high quality playing surface: “We knew from Day 1 this was going to be a very sensitive subject.

Toronto FC
Oct 14, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A general view of BMO Field prior to a game between New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

“Two of the three (MLSE) owners own the Argos, they’re very sensitive to it. Larry (MLSE chairman Larry Tanenbaum) in particular has been very focused on ensuring we have a very very high-quality TFC pitch.”

Heggie often speaks to peers within the sporting world, including those who maintain NFL and MLB fields. Any advice he can get is imperative, especially with a new turf being installed this week.

In addition, as Davidson points out, more than $1 million has been spent on grow-lights to help keep the grass healthy. Some Toronto FC fans will never be entirely satisfied, but at least the ongoing maintenance of the pitch is in good hands.

Next: Are MLS referees affecting too many games?

As a TFC fan, how do you feel about having to share BMO Field with the Argonauts? Have you accepted it, are you still firmly against it, or are you taking a “wait and see” approach? Let us know in the comments section below.

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