BC Place installs real grass ahead of Whitecaps match vs. Wrexham AFC

The Vancouver Whitecaps host Welsh side Wrexham AFC at BC Place Saturday night, and the venue has installed natural grass for the occasion.

The stadium hasn’t featured real grass since the mid-2000s, according to general manager Chris May.

“We’re hearing very good things,” May said.

“You know, it’s in great condition. It looks great. Most importantly, it’s playing great right now, so we’re hearing very good things from Wrexham.”

Wrexham coach Phil Parkinson says the grass is meant to protect player safety ahead of their season.

“Artificial pitches are OK if you’re using them all the time, but obviously it shows that injuries do happen,” Parkinson said.

“If you haven’t been on them and then you suddenly go and play a 90-minute game on them, then it definitely puts the players at risk of picking up soft tissue injuries.”

The Whitecaps are preparing for the change by practicing on the grass field.

The Welsh team is owned by proud Vancouverite Ryan Reynolds and fellow actor Rob McElhenny, who purchased it in 2020.

The game is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m.