City of Calgary ‘Kicks Off’ a New Era for the Calgary Soccer Centre
Today, athletes, sport enthusiasts and the public participated in the grand opening of the Annex and outdoor artificial turf fields at the Calgary Soccer Centre (7000 - 48 St. S.E.). The event celebrated community and sport, and represents a significant milestone in the 25-year life of the Calgary Soccer Centre, which has become known as the home of soccer in Calgary.
“This is a great day for Calgary’s sport community,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “These seven new fields respond to a tremendous need for multisport playing fields in Calgary. Recreation facilities are important investments that help Calgarians keep physically and mentally active. Together, we are building high quality public spaces that bring communities together.”
Council made the decision to fund the projects in response to a community need for additional multisport facilities.
Intended to revitalize the iconic facility while improving user experience, the Annex and outdoor fields accommodate a range of sport events and activities. The use of artificial turf means playing times are extended both seasonally and into the evening, allowing for greater use of the facilities.
Currently, the Calgary Soccer Centre sees 1.3 million visitors throughout the year and because of the growth of other field sports, such as lacrosse, rugby, football, baseball, senior’s indoor slow pitch, indoor lawn bowling and ultimate Frisbee, this number continues to grow.
The artificial turf fields are an $11.1 million project that received support from the Government of Canada’s Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Fund. The new artificial turf fields include player, spectator and official shelters, perimeter fencing and pathways.
“Our Government is proud to have supported upgrades to the Calgary Soccer Centre,” said the Honourable Joan Crockatt, MP Calgary Central on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “Through investments such as this one, we are creating jobs, growth, and long-term prosperity while building a stronger Canada with a better quality of life for our children and grandchildren.”
The Annex is an $11 million project made possible in part by The City of Calgary’s Sport Facility Renewal (SFR) Program, which includes $5.2 million from the Government of Alberta’s Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI). The new structure houses four artificial turf fields, player and spectator amenities and a built link to the existing domed facility.
”The Government of Alberta is proud to partner with The City of Calgary to improve opportunities for sport and provide a place where residents can connect and focus on well-being,” said Wayne Cao, MLA for Calgary Fort, on behalf of Diana McQueen, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “The Calgary Soccer Centre is a great example of how the Municipal Sustainability Initiative is helping municipalities plan for the future with infrastructure that responds to the growing needs of their community.”
To help showcase the seven new sport fields and amenities, several Calgary-based soccer associations ran exhibition games. The public also had the chance to participate in multisport demonstrations and explore the projects on guided site tours.
For more information, please visit calgary.ca/recreationprojects.