Toronto FC soccer players run sprints as they take part in the official opening day of training camp at BMO Field in Toronto on Feb. 2, 2009. (Nathan Denette/Canadian Press) BMO Field could be getting a makeover.

The board of governors of Exhibition Place, which controls the soccer pitch, voted Friday to approve a proposal to replace the stadium's artificial turf with real grass.

The Toronto FC soccer club, which is owned by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, plays its home games at BMO Field.

Bob Hunter, a vice-president at MLSE, told CBC News that the artificial turf didn't represent the "authentic" game.

MLSE expects to spend $3.5 million replacing the artificial turf with grass, but Hunter told reporters that it's worth the extra expense.

"Long-term, sod is a better playing surface," he said. Hunter added that real grass will help the soccer club draw better players and more competitive teams to Toronto to play.

Toronto FC players agree. Adrian Serioux, a defender with the club, told CBC News that the surface isn't ideal for players and that it is getting bumpy as it ages.

Last month, the team spent more than $100,000 to put real grass on the field for an international friendly match with Real Madrid, a condition the foreign team demanded.

MLSE to pay for new soccer pitches

When the stadium was first built, the municipal and provincial governments both contributed money with the requirement that the facility had to be available for community use at certain times.

But real grass can't handle the same amount of wear and tear as turf, and MLSE said BMO Field will be closed to the public during the Toronto FC season to protect the sod.

MLSE said they make up for the loss by building new soccer facilities.

The company plans to donate $2 million to make upgrades at nearby Lamport Stadium, and has pledged $800,000 for new soccer fields in Toronto's west end.

Mayor David Miller said he is pleased that the extra facilities will provide better opportunities for youth soccer in the city.

Toronto City Council still has to approve the agreement, which will be considered by councillors on either Sept. 30 or Oct. 2.