Commonwealth Stadium to get Artificial Turf

March 12, 2010

In time for 2010 CFL season and Grey Cup

The City of Edmonton and the Edmonton Eskimo Football Club are partnering to upgrade the grass field at Commonwealth Stadium to artificial turf in time for the start of the 2010 Canadian Football League season and hosting of the 98th Annual Grey Cup Game.

The change to artificial turf at the Stadium will improve the ability of this venue to host high-calibre events because of the versatility and durability of the turf system.

Commonwealth will have the latest technology of synthetic grass turf installed to:

  • Provide a safer, higher quality field for players and reduce injuries.
  • Increase the playability of the field in the shoulder seasons and during inclement weather.
  • Provide a consistent field for a variety of sports such as football, rugby and soccer. Commonwealth’s artificial turf design has a FIFA Recommended Two-Star Rating supported by the Canadian Soccer Association.
  • Minimize the maintenance time between staging major events.
  • Lower maintenance expenses, reduce water consumption, and eliminate the use of fertilizers. Artificial turf has a life expectancy of 10 – 15 years. 

The total project cost is estimated at $2.6 M including design, civil work, purchase and installation of the artificial turf, and all necessary field maintenance equipment. Each partner will contribute $1.3 M for the project. The change to turf is expected to save $80,000 in maintenance costs annually.

The Edmonton Eskimos currently hold their practices on the artificial turf at nearby Clarke Field. Having artificial turf in Commonwealth Stadium will allow the Eskimos to practice on their home field and open up Clarke Field for more community and amateur sport play.

Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium is also being upgraded with new field lighting, improvements to the building’s infrastructure, and the addition of a new Field House (part of the new North Central Community Recreation Centre currently under construction) that will open to host Grey Cup activities.  

The Commonwealth Stadium Artificial Turf Project is aligned with the City of Edmonton Strategic Plan (to preserve Edmonton’s livability and to preserve and sustain Edmonton’s environment). The project also aligns with the Council-approved Artificial Turf Plan, the Recreation Facility Master Plan, and the new Partnership Policy/Capital Projects Funding Program. 

For more information:

Chad Orydzuk

Community Services

Title Communications Officer
Telephone

780-944-7528
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