Sudbury artifical turf opens

A new artificial turf field is ready to greet athletes at the Ontario Summer Games.

Mayor John Rodriguez, Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci, city councillors and the Sudbury Gladiators football players gathered at the James Jerome Sports Complex on Thursday for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

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The Ontario government spent $990,000 upgrading the complex as a venue for the provincial games. Opening ceremonies for the games are Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Laurentian University track.

“It’s long overdo, but it has arrived,” said Rodriguez. “This is for our athletes. The athletes of the City of Greater Sudbury, for them to develop and to hone their skills as athletes on this field.

“On this particular Astroturf, the footballers will be able to get out on the field earlier in the spring and … go later in the fall,” Rodriguez said.

More time to practice could mean a stronger team.

“Look out southern Ontario,” Rodriguez added.

The mayor and city council took part in the first pass on the field. While they are not likely to win a tournament any time soon, Rodriguez was optimistic about the Sudbury Gladiator’s chances.

“On this field, the Gladiators next year will win their first Ontario championship,” said Rodriguez, to cheers and applause from the players.

Sudbury Gladiators coach Brent Richer was on-scene with grateful words for the mayor and council.

“We will remember that something is happening today that is special and that we are all one people, that we are all one town and together we will begin the next big chapter in the football books,” said.

Bartolucci’s brother, Chris, is heavily involved with football in Sudbury. He said he was pleased young athletes can now work toward their dreams at home on a CFL football-calibre field.

“With the opening of this facility, we can proudly say football in Sudbury finally has a home and what a remarkable home that is.”