Chosen as the site of the field hockey tournament for the 2014 Pan Am Games, back campus may soon undergo a much-needed makeover. The proposed renovation—still pending approval by U of T’s Governing Council and Budget Committee—consists of artificial turfing, upgraded lighting, landscaping, fencing, an irrigation system, and accommodation for 3000 spectators. The cost of the renovation is estimated at $7.8m, to be split between the government and the university.

“The University supported that venue in the bid and agreed to review the feasibility of the field hockey venue on back campus,” said Assistant Dean of Co-Curricular Physical Activity and Sport Anita Cornella.

The federal and provincial governments will foot 56 per cent of the cost, while the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education will pay for the remainder. The renovation of back campus “would leave a tremendous legacy,” said Corenella.

Joe Nizich, Head Coach of U of T’s Men’s Varsity Lacrosse Team, sees the re-turfing of back campus field as long overdue. “The potential for injury under these [field] conditions is great,” he said. According to Ontario University Athletics standards, the field is currently “not fit for play.”

Nevertheless, the rugby team held practices at back campus field four times per week last season. David Balcom, captain of Men’s Varsity Rugby, explained that the mud on back campus makes for “sloppier” training sessions. “Rugby is a contact sport and injuries will happen," Balcom said. "however, it is important for athletes to be able to control how their bodies move, both for performance and safety. The conditions of the field certainly do make body control more difficult."

Nizich remarked that U of T is lagging behind other universities when it comes to the quality of its fields. “For all its size and three campuses, U of T only has one turfed field (Varsity Centre), and there is great demand to use it. Other schools have multiple turfed fields.”

The Governing Council Planning and Budget Committee is set to vote on the renovation of back campus soon.