“When I see it, I’ll believe it,” De Rosario said with a laugh when told of the timetable to get the artificial surface replaced for next season.
Story via The Star
“The board of governors of Exhibition Place yesterday voted overwhelmingly in favour of a proposal by TFC owner Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment to spend $5.5 million to replace the Field Turf at the city-owned stadium in time for next season’s first home game.
“It’s a no-brainer for us to support it,” said deputy mayor Joe Pantalone, chair of the Exhibition Place.
The three-pronged proposal, which would be completely funded by MLSE, would include $3.5 million for the grass installation at BMO Field, $1.2 million to put a bubble over city-owned Lamport Stadium to accommodate public use requirements and $800,000 to build an artificial turf field at Lakeshore Collegiate Institute.
“It’s a good thing to do for everybody,” Pantalone told the meeting. “There are no losers in this effort.
“Everybody’s a winner.”
The proposal is expected to be considered by full Toronto city council on Sept. 30, where Mayor David Miller predicts smooth sailing “because it’s the right thing to do.”
Miller, a TFC season ticket holder, said getting grass at BMO Field will help establish Toronto as “the centre of soccer in Canada” because more national team games will be played at the stadium.”
