The One-of-a-Kind Playing Surface of the Toronto Argonauts

When American football fans tune in to watch Canadian football games they may notice a couple obvious differences when it comes to the playing field. The biggest is the size of the playing field itself. In Canada, football fields are 110 yards long and 65 yards wide, compared to an American football field, which is 100 yards long and 53 and 1/3 yards wide. Additionally, the goal posts in Canadian football are placed at the front, rather than the back of the end zone which is also deeper in Canadian football than American.

The Toronto Argonauts playing field is also unique. In 2018 the team completely revamped the playing surface at BMO Field, which is now strengthened by artificial fibers that hold the surface together, protect the grass and reduce recovery time between events. The grass, known as SISGrass, is a reinforced turf system with 95 per cent natural grass. It’s already in use several stadiums in the English Premier League across the Atlantic as well as at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The hybrid field is effective because it gives natural grass the ability to essentially wrap its root around a shred of plastic and gives the plant something artificial to anchor itself to. This means a more consistent playing surface for the Argonauts on game day.

To ensure the turf stays in top condition, the grounds crew needs highly specialized equipment. In 2018, head groundskeeper Robert Heggie ordered a fleet of Cub Cadet INFINICUT mowers to tackle the challenge. He chose the machines for two reasons. First, they’re battery powered, providing a quieter, greener choice. Second, they’re hyper-precise, which means that even if the field is wet, Robert and his crew can provide a best-in-class cut for the Argonauts and their players.

The INFINICUT is in use worldwide at some of the most recognizable venues in professional tennis, soccer, baseball and football. Just like Cub Cadet’s Enduro Series, Ultima Series, walk-behind mowers and line of professional products, the INFINICUT offers a best-in-class cut, making it a trusted product of professional groundskeepers around the world.