If Toronto Can Do It, Why Can't Chicago?

Pictured above is BMO Field in Toronto. It is home to Toronto FC of the MLS. The photo shows the FieldTurf being torn out. As I write crews are working on the transition to a state-of-the-art natural grass field.

I'll repeat that: Toronto FC will have a natural grass field. Kentucky bluegrass, to be specific.

It won't be easy. Full article here. Money quote:

The 7,850-square metre playing field will be the first major sports field in Canada to employ a SubAir System, which acts like a huge underground vacuum to pull away excess water. The technology, used on the greens of such renowned golf courses as Augusta National, Pebble Beach and TPC Sawgrass, also forces air from pipes underneath the soil to the surface, increasing the rate at which the field will dry.

In addition to the SubAir technology, an elaborate heating coil system that warms the soil is being installed. It will ensure BMO Field is ready no matter the conditions during the long Major League Soccer season, which begins in March and can stretch to November.

and

Finally, at the end of March, 2.5-centimetre thick sod will be laid. No matter what the weather, the heating, SubAir and irrigation systems will have it firmly rooted in time for the first game.

Not only will Toronto have natural grass, there are others in the north that have it too:

• Invesco at Mile High - Denver Broncos - DD GrassMaster with SubAir
• Dick's Sporting Goods Park - Colorado Rapids - natural grass SubAir
• Rio Tinto Stadium - Real Salt Lake - natural grass with SubAir
• Lambeau Field - Green Bay Packers - DD GrassMaster

So let's just stop all this nonsense about the Bears switching to FieldTurf or another artificial surface.

Until next time!