BMO Field - Setting the Standard for Hybrid Grass Surfaces in North America

Since opening in 2007, BMO Field has become one of the most important venues in Canadian sports. Home to Toronto FC and the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts, as well as a regular host for international game days and major concerts, the stadium faces the ongoing challenge of balancing multi-sport and event usage with world-class playing surfaces.

In the early years, natural grass at BMO Field struggled to cope with the demands of the stadium’s schedule, particularly during late and early season. The root zone lacked the reinforcement needed to withstand heavy use, leading to inconsistent playing conditions. Hybrid stitching, which injects synthetic fibers into the natural grass to strengthen the root zone and protect plant health, was identified as a possible solution.

THE FIRST HYBRID ADOPTION

BMO Field made its first major step forward in 2019 by installing a SIS Grass Hybrid system. This initial adoption brought consistency and durability to a field that endured some of the heaviest year-round scheduling.

The installation improved stability across high-wear areas, and with Toronto’s climate delivering both freezing winters and hot, humid summers, the added reinforcement extended the life of the grass and reduced divoting. The results were clear: a more reliable surface for soccer, football, and concerts.

The hybrid system was tailored specifically to Toronto’s climate, usage, and event schedule. The surface provides:

• Faster recovery after matches and events, minimizing downtime and delivering durability against wear from soccer, football, and concerts
• Synthetic fibers protect the grass plant, with the reinforced root structure ensuring that any surface damage results in grass growing back much faster
• Increased playing hours, enabling MLSE to maximize stadium ROI
• Healthier grass thanks to deeper-reaching root systems and cleaner, more aerobic growing conditions
• Improved efficiency of under-soil heating and better drainage
• Enhanced aesthetics for a more perfect-looking field

READYING FOR WORLD CUP 2026

With Canada co-hosting the 2026 World Cup, FIFA mandated that all host venues install hybrid playing surfaces. The requirement ensures fields can handle back-to-back matches and intensive training sessions while maintaining elite performance standards.

With this in mind, BMO Field returned to SIS Grass in 2025 for the next-generation installation, building on the success of the 2019 install.

2025 UPGRADE: SIS GRASS HYBRID SHALLOW STITCH

In 2025, BMO Field installed SIS Grass Hybrid using the Shallow Stitch system at a depth of 80mm. This system, installed using SIS Pitches’ new Pro-X range of hybrid machines, allows stitching from 45mm to 180mm, providing unmatched flexibility for stadiums across diverse climates, sports, and usage patterns.

The shallow-stitch method offers a key operational advantage: easy removal and replacement after major events. Working closely with head groundskeeper Robert Heggie, SIS Pitches tailored the installation to Toronto’s packed calendar. The hybrid stitching will be removed in November and re-stitched in December, ensuring the field is ready for MLS, CFL, concerts, and 2026 World Cup matches.

Although hybrid surfaces can last up to 12 years, BMO Field opted for a temporary shallow stitch following their re-sod to prepare for their busy upcoming schedule. Having not re-sodded since the first hybrid installation in 2019, Robert and his team felt it was the right time to refresh the natural grass surface. The later removal and re-stitching in December is part of a strategic maintenance plan that manages heavy multi-sport and event use while ensuring peak performance in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup.

From the first installation, Robert Heggie has been a strong advocate for hybrid grass and has developed a unique approach to managing his surfaces, different from the traditional method of renovating the field once a year. This has led to a custom maintenance program that has evolved over the years to get the best out of their surface.

• Increased grooming and verticutting
• Modified fraze mowing to remove only 15% of the profile at a time, repeated several times per year to achieve full renewal without taking the field offline
• Regular solid-tine aeration to relieve compaction
• Hand mowing for precision and to protect the reinforced surface

This approach allows BMO Field to maintain a consistently stable field despite the absence of a traditional off-season.

BMO Field once again joins a growing list of North American venues using SIS Grass Hybrid technology:

• Four SIS Grass Hybrid fields used in the 2025 Club World Cup
• Chicago Fire – hybrid turf enhancing durability for daily practice at their training facility
• San Jose Earthquakes – stadium surface for soccer in a warmer West Coast climate
• Lambeau Field – iconic NFL venue where extreme cold requires maximum resilience for the Green Bay Packers’ playing surface

Despite vastly different climates and usage demands, all installations demonstrate the system’s adaptability. From soccer training grounds to multi-sport stadiums and iconic football venues, SIS Grass Hybrid delivers stability, player safety, and exceptional performance.

Leading the Way

BMO Field’s 2025 upgrade positions it as a benchmark for hybrid playing surfaces not only in North America but globally. By combining sports surface innovation with tailored maintenance practices, the stadium ensures a world-class surface for players now and through the 2026 World Cup and beyond.