There are some big changes coming to the field for the McGill Redmen and the Montreal Alouettes -- or rather, under the field.
McGill University is replacing the artificial turf at Molson Stadium with a field turf product called 'Revolution'.
Drew Love, the Executive Director for Athletics and Recreation for the university says It's a long way from the Astroturf used during the 1976 Olympics.
"By keeping the facilities up to date, keeping them at the best of standards in every way, then I think it also shows the community and shows the people who were supporting us that we mean to do the best we can and put the best product on the field," said Love.
Having a top notch playing surface also helps recruit players to McGill, according to Football coach Clint Uttley.
"We can bring a kid in to watch the Friday night game and see the new turf. The Alouettes are on the turf, it's on national television every time the Alouettes play, so oh, yeah, it's a huge recruiting angle," he said.
Replacing the field's surface is not just a luxury. McGill was forced to do it because the sewer lines beneath the field were not able to drain rainfall fast enough.
"The drainage underneath it was getting clogged and wasn't clearing the water quickly. So when we knew we had to change the carpet, then we also realized it was the right time to change the drainage," said Love.
Players are eager to try out the new surface, which is supposed to feel a lot like grass -- but be much more durable. They also think that falling down will hurt less because it has a cork underlayer.
"Our old surface was fast but like you said, it was a rock and now we have some extra padding there," said graduating Quarterback Ryne Bondy. "The helmet's not going to hit maybe as dramatic as it would on the old surface and there's more cushion."
The field will be ready for use next week, just in time fro the Montreal Alouettes to play their first exhibition game in mid-June.
