Major player drops out of soccer complex plans
Complex is still a go and expected to be completed on time
VERONICA CARR STAFF
PHOTO: DAVID IAN LIPNOWSKI
Laureate Developments recently dropped out of their commitment to assist with the development of a new soccer complex to be located at the University of Manitoba. The development company was supposed to fund $1.9 million of the $9.4 million project, as well as build the complex.
“Although it is unknown why Laureate Developments dropped out of the plan, it will not hinder the rest of the development and things will proceed as planned,” commented Alan Simms, vice-president (administration) at the U of M.
A representative from Laureate Development Inc. was unable to comment.
Despite the setback, the Winnipeg Soccer Federation (WSF) is optimistic that they can put the project together in time for an October or November 2007 opening.
In July the new complex was announced by the WSF and at a U of M Senate meeting on Sept. 6, the proposed site was approved, located just east of University Stadium. With funding from the
Multicampus Research Incentive Fund (MRIF) Grant, the City of Winnipeg, the University of Manitoba and the WSF, the complex will include four indoor soccer fields, three outdoor pitches, spectator seating, locker rooms, viewing areas, a pro shop and food concessions.
The complex will be sized to national specifications standard in the hopes of attracting major soccer events and the plan also calls for the construction of approximately 170 parking spots to be located between the complex and University Stadium.
“It would be a good fit with the university’s existing cluster of sport facilities, the university’s interaction with our larger community is further enhanced and university sports programs — such as the women’s soccer program and even Mini- University — could also make use of the facility,” said Simms.
The project is also being built with the hopes of attracting soccer players to the U of M for their studies.
