Clarke Stadium at centre of turf war over field markings
CBC News | Posted: March 4, 2014 1:10 AM | Last Updated: March 4, 2014
Pro soccer and amateur football scrimmage over line markings
FC Edmonton and amateur football drew lines in the turf Monday in a city hall discussion over the future of Clarke Stadium.
The field is slated to get new artificial grass this summer, but before that can happen, lines have to be drawn.
Both amateur football and the city's professional soccer team, FC Edmonton, want to use the field.
Tim Enger with Football Alberta said the city has a shortage of football fields.
"High-school football is up a third since the 90s, our minor football has tripled ... these kids need a place to play."
FC Edmonton wants the field to sport permanent soccer lines and temporary football markings because television will not broadcast games with both markings.
Club owner Tom Fath said the club is willing to pay for temporary football lines.
Enger said he'd like to see other facilities, like Commonweatlh Stadium, open their doors to amateur football.
The matter will be back at city hall next week.