ray Posted June 16, 2004 Share Posted June 16, 2004 Did anyone catch the Argos/Roughriders game last night on TV? They were playing on FieldTurf. When did that happen? Do they lay it down just for Argo games using those trays like at the Big "O"? Anyway, it begs the question: Since we now have a stadium in TO that can use FT, what good will the proposed new stadium be if it too will use FT? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ray Posted June 16, 2004 Author Share Posted June 16, 2004 Sorry, my mistake. Its seems to be "Game Day Turf" not FieldTurf. However, it seems to be very similar down to the characteristic little black cloud of filler being thrown up whenever the ball hits the ground. Jun. 16, 2004. 01:00 AM HANS DERYK/TORONTO STAR Robert Baker, a former Miami Dolphin, shows his leaping and catching abilities by going up and over Saskatchewan’s Omarr Morgan for a 35-yard TD in the Argonauts’ opening-night win at SkyDome. Argos impress in season debut Allen throws TD strikes to rookies Soward, Baker Crowd of 26,821 largest at dome since 2000 season RICK MATSUMOTO SPORTS REPORTER Robert Baker made an auspicious debut as an Argonaut last night, but he insists he can be a whole lot better. The former Miami Dolphin, one of a gaggle of speedy receivers acquired by the Argos during the off-season, picked up 139 yards on seven catches, including a spectacular grab for a touchdown as the Boatmen opened the CFL season with a 21-10 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Baker wasn't the only newcomer to impress the 26,821 fans — the largest crowd to watch an Argo game at SkyDome since Sept.15, 2000, when current head coach Mike (Pinball) Clemons played his final game as a player, also against the Riders. R.Jay Soward caught just one pass, but it was a 54-yard touchdown that had the crowd buzzing as he used his well-advertised speed to get 10 yards behind the nearest Rider defender to haul in quarterback Damon Allen's toss. Running back John Avery, whose staying ability in this game was a concern after off-season knee surgery, turned in what Clemons described as "a courageous effort." Avery, who signed for four seasons at $250,000 per year, missed just one series. He carried eight times for 22 yards and caught five passes for another 31. Marc Lester, another new addition, caught three passes for 41 yards. "I can't wait for them to get into CFL shape," said Argos general manager Adam Rita of his new recruits. The Argos' romp was no doubt aided when the Riders suffered a devastating blow seven minutes into the game as starting quarterback Nealon Greene suffered a broken left leg. Greene, who had won the starting job when the Riders traded away his main competitor, Kevin Glenn, was stepping into a second-down pass at the Argo 38-yard line when he was hit by hard-charging linebacker Michael Fletcher. The play had no sooner been whistled dead when players on both teams signalled for medical assistance. It took more than 10 minutes for doctors to apply a splint to Greene's leg before he was taken off the field on a golf cart. The entire Rider team ran on to the field to offer words of encouragement to their quarterback, while Fletcher walked over to the Riders bench where he and head coach Danny Barrett embraced. Several Rider players slapped Fletcher on the back indicating they felt his hit on Greene was clean and they bore him no ill will. The injury to Greene had an immediate impact. Backup pivot Henry Burris went in to take the snap for a 45-yard field goal attempt by Paul McCallum but mishandled the snap. McCallum's short kick was scooped up by Bashir Levingston, who showed why he was named the CFL's outstanding special teams player last year as he raced 105 yards for his first TD of the year. That was followed by Soward's catch, which came on the first play after Kenny Wheaton had picked off Riders third-string quarterback Rocky Butler. With his touchdown pass to Soward, Allen added another line to his lengthy list of accomplishments. It was his 335th TD pass, the most ever by a CFL pivot. Allen completed 21of31 passes for 304 yards. "I was more prepared for this season opener than I was last year," said Allen. "I was confident coming into this game." Last year, Allen joined the team following a trade with the B.C. Lions after training camp had ended. The new Game Day Turf, which resembles actual grass, didn't draw rave reviews. "Both team had to play on the same turf," said Clemons, whose club plays the Renegades in Ottawa next Thursday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJT Posted June 16, 2004 Share Posted June 16, 2004 The new turf is laid over the regular Astroturf only for Argo games. Furthermore, the new turf is customized for the Argos; it's not one of the commonly available products. For these reasons I don't think it would be acceptable to FIFA's strict guidelines. From the Argos: The June 15 game will be the first played on the Argonauts' brand new turf. Working with the great staff at SkyDome to make this installation possible, this marks the first time ever the Argos have purchased their own new turf in the SkyDome. Unlike the "AstroTurf" that has been played on for the past 15 years, the New turf is a synthetic grass with the same look as natural grass. The turf is another example of new owners David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski's commitment to the team, its players and its fans. New turf embraces new technologies using the best materials currently available on the market (Thiolon's polyethylene's fibres and RTG's cryogenically recycled rubber). It is a customized solution, not an 'off the rack' product that meets the Argos' unique performance requirements. Unlike other solutions, it has more grass fibres than in-fill, creating a thicker, plusher playing surface. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yob Posted June 16, 2004 Share Posted June 16, 2004 The owners of the Argos were on the Fan590 before their game last night and stated that they have not yet decided if they will be bringing the turf with them to Varsity, installing new turf, or be using real grass. They said there will be many other events there which they have to take into consideration, including soccer, and that they want the best possible surface for the Argos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polish_LYNX_Fan Posted June 16, 2004 Share Posted June 16, 2004 yeah the turf is great it got us a sure win last nite. Wanna know how?? Nelone Greene the QB for teh roughriders got injured early in teh first because of this new turf:) eheheheheheh can u say Home Field Advantage Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marcl_19 Posted June 16, 2004 Share Posted June 16, 2004 i was reading stuff bout the game and everyone was complaining about the stuff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarnCherry Posted June 16, 2004 Share Posted June 16, 2004 quote:Originally posted by Polish_LYNX_Fan yeah the turf is great it got us a sure win last nite. Wanna know how?? Nelone Greene the QB for teh roughriders got injured early in teh first because of this new turf:) eheheheheheh can u say Home Field Advantage Had his injury come on that old turf it would have been worse. Watching the game on TV, it certainly looked a lot better watching the game on that stuff, at least you could make out the numbers and the field markings unlike the worn out old crap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seether Posted June 16, 2004 Share Posted June 16, 2004 quote:Originally posted by Polish_LYNX_Fan yeah the turf is great it got us a sure win last nite. Wanna know how?? Nelone Greene the QB for teh roughriders got injured early in teh first because of this new turf:) eheheheheheh can u say Home Field Advantage Actually Greenes injury is due to it hitting Eibons leg, not that that stops the Rider fans from crying foul. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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