Rogers Centre to Get Real Grass Field

[egotrippin]

http://www.thestar.com/sports/argos..._field_after_toronto_argos_leave_by_2017.html

So I thought this was an interesting bit of information: it seems the Rogers Centre Skydome will be getting real turf at the end of the 2017 season. Also part of this change will be the Argos leaving and looking for new digs.

Clearly there won't be a new purpose-built stadium in the works, but I wonder where they'll end up. Real grass is pretty exciting though. From a game perspective it does change gameplay a bit (from ball reaction and fielding perspectives) and the AstroTurf just never quite looked "right" compared to classic American stadiums with real grass.

(Mods, let me know if this is better suited to the Out & About forum, seeing as it's a mix of building upgrades and sports discussion.)

 

[Johnny Au]

It would also allow the Jays to get better players (as there are quite a number of all-star players who refuse to play on artificial turf).

 

[khris]

How will it grow in the winter with the dome closed and no sun?

 

[GenerationW]

How will it grow in the winter with the dome closed and no sun?

Apparently they will install grass every year in March and take it out after the season.

 

[DavidJamesTO]

It's quite common at soccer/football stadiums. I remember the tour guide at Old Trafford in Manchester talking about it; he made it sound like it was the groundskeepers' religion!

 

[egotrippin]

Apparently they will install grass every year in March and take it out after the season.

This makes sense, since the 'Dome is used for other events during baseball's off season. As far as irrigation goes though, I guess there'll be a system as part of the whole installation since the roof is closed on rainy days. Or perhaps they'll just keep it open all season so we can get the American ball field experience!