The University of Toronto is poised to offer one of the best athletic and recreational experiences the world has to offer, thanks to Varsity Centre’s top-ranked new field.

Featuring an artificial surface known as Polytan Ligaturf – a layered system with soft, grass-like fibres laid on top of a 25-millimetre elastic support layer – the field recently received a two-star rating from FIFA, the soccer governing body’s gold standard for performance.

The two-star certification, enjoyed by only three other facilities in North America, positions Varsity Centre to host a range of international sporting championships and signals U of T’s commitment to providing the best to its students.

“This facility represents an entirely new era of physical activity and education at U of T,” says Dean Bruce Kidd.  “We are providing a state-of-the-art home for our student athletes, while at the same time offering an outstanding facility in which all U of T students, faculty, staff and the broader Toronto community can play, train and learn.”

With time allotted for a wide range of programs, the Varsity Centre will address the needs of thousands of intramural athletes, recreational joggers and youth campers, while creating new opportunities for teaching and research around health and physical activity.

An air-supported bubble over the field, which opened on January 13th and will be up until April, creates a space for a host of off-season activities, including a golf driving range on weekdays beginning January 17th.  The eight-lane track surface and jumping areas in the end zones – also built to international standards – will be installed in the spring, marking the formal completion of Phase 1.

Kidd gives high praise to the many players who contributed to the success of the complex project, among them architects Diamond + Schmitt and Ellerbe Becket, sports contractor Centaur Products, sport surface manufacturer Polytan Inc. and construction firm Ellis Don.  “These teams have worked incredibly hard to make Varsity Centre a reality.  It was a challenging installation, and the end result will be absolutely outstanding.”

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