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Toronto FC: So Far So Good for the BMO Field Pitch

By Paul Taylor

May 18, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) walks onto the pitch with a player escort and his son before a game against New York City FC at BMO Field. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) walks onto the pitch with a player escort and his son before a game against New York City FC at BMO Field. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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After all the fretting by Toronto FC fans about hosting CFL games at BMO Field, the pitch is holding up well so far, thanks largely to the groundskeeping staff.

When it was first announced the Toronto Argonauts would be moving to BMO Field, Toronto FC fans were concerned. To be fair, this was understandable, given that the pitch would be subjected to at least 10 CFL games per year, between June and November.

However, any protests were futile – the move was happening, whether TFC supporters liked it or not. Not that this stopped people from venting their frustration, albeit in an unaggressive, non-European football hooligan manner.

Back in April, Toronto FC’s head groundskeeper Robbie Heggie did his best to alleviate any fears. Actually, he pretty much told everyone to calm down.

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Heggie said at the time: “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, a lot of the naysayers were probably drawn towards the latter part of that statement. But surely someone who was named 2015 Sports Turf Canada’s turf manager of the year, was worthy of trusting?

Regardless, the CFL season has started and we’re now in July, so it seems like a good time to check in on how the BMO Field pitch is holding up so far. Fortunately for everyone involved, the early returns have been extremely positive.

TFC head coach Greg Vanney spoke to Neil Davidson of The Canadian Press about the playing surface, following Saturday’s 1-1 tie with the Seattle Sounders: “Usually I take my cues on whether the guys are complaining or not complaining.

“I didn’t hear one word about it, it looked to play great. The ball rolled nicely.”

What makes this news even more encouraging, is the fact the field had just endured a CFL and a rugby game, within three days of each other. The Argonauts played their home opener on June 23rd, followed by a Canada versus Italy match-up on July 26th.

Toronto FC
Jun 18, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A general view of BMO Field and its east grandstand before the start of the Toronto FC match against the Los Angeles Galaxy at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

This only makes Vanney more positive about the pitch moving forward: “That was the busiest two weeks between football and rugby and some other events and the field held up beautifully.

“So I think from here on out we should, weather permitting, look pretty good with the field. The (groundskeeping) guys are doing an amazing job.”

This doesn’t mean we’re in the clear yet, as per Vanney’s weather reference, combined with the natural wear and tear of at least nine more CFL games this year, including the Grey Cup. Hopefully, this can be countered by the $1 million that was spent on grow-lights, to help keep the grass healthy.

Ultimately, some Toronto FC fans will never be entirely satisfied, no matter what is done to maintain the pitch. At this point though, all you can say is that it’s so far, so good.

Next: When will Jozy Altidore return to action?

What are your initial thoughts about how the BMO Field pitch is holding up? Are you encouraged, or still concerned that it will deteriorate, especially as the weather gets worse? Let us know in the comments section below.

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