The Edmonton Eskimos are looking for a cost-sharing deal with the city to replace the grass at Commonwealth Stadium with artificial turf. (CBC)The grass at Commonwealth Stadium could soon be replaced with artificial turf.

Officials from the Edmonton Eskimos made the request of the city, saying it will allow the facility to be used more often for much more than football.

"As Commonwealth Stadium becomes a busier facility — more concerts, this year we have U2 and others coming in — it makes it very, very difficult, if not impossible, to ensure that that field remains at a high level of playability for the Eskimo games," said Dave Jamieson, director of communications for the team.

The Eskimos are proposing a cost-sharing deal with the city on the project, which Jamieson said would cost around $2.6 million.

"We understand that some people may have a certain affinity to the grass, because it has been there since the stadium opened and it's a tradition," he said.

But the advanced artificial turf that's now available would allow the Eskimos to practice in Commonwealth regularly, he said, and ensure the field was of consistently good quality.

"Anyone who watched the 2002 Grey Cup held here in Edmonton will understand or remember that the playing surface was less than acceptable for a game of that importance," he said.

Coun. Bryan Anderson supports the idea, believing it could save the city time and money in the long run.

"To have to cover natural grass and install concert seating, those kinds of things, those are all additional operating costs that tend to go out the window when you are looking at a surface that is basically impervious to weather and traffic," he said.

The proposal will be discussed at city council Wednesday, and the club is hoping for a quick agreement because training camp begins June 6.

"To use a football term," Jamieson said. "We're in the hurry-up offence."