Soccer complex signed and sealed

World-class project to be delivered with $4m from the U of M

MAGALLY ZELAYA, STAFF

Plans to begin construction on a new $12.5- million indoor soccer complex were announced on Sept.17, at the new site, just west of University Stadium. The new facility, funded by the University of Manitoba, three levels of government, and the Winnipeg Soccer Federation will open in time for the 2008 indoor season.

Winnipeg’s existing indoor soccer facilities are not sufficient to meet the demands of the growing sport, explained Keith Ferbers, chair of the Winnipeg Soccer Federation. The number of indoor soccer players has doubled over the last decade.

The new 105,000- square foot complex will include up to four indoor playing fields, viewing stands, dressing rooms, a pro-shop, a restaurant and lobby. It will be a clear-span structure, meaning it will have no pillars. It is the first multi-field, indoor soccer complex in Winnipeg.

The new complex will have environmentally friendly features: its design includes a Power Smart electrical system, low-flush toilets, and low-flow showerheads.

The university is the largest contributor to the new facility with an investment of $4 million. The City of Winnipeg will contribute $3.6 million, the Government of Manitoba will contribute $3.4 million, the Government of Canada will contribute $1 million, and the Winnipeg Soccer Federation will contribute $500,000 for a total of $12.5 million.

The cost of the complex was originally estimated at $9.4 million.

“The university will be leasing the facility to the Winnipeg Soccer Federation,” explained university vice-president (administration) Deborah McCallum. “But when it’s not being used by [organized] leagues it’ll be available for university use, by the soccer teams, or by Mini-University.”

It is estimated that annual attendance at the new facility will be in excess of 250,000 people.

Because the complex will be flexible in space and design it will be possible for it to house a full size field that meets the regulations of the world governing body of soccer, said Emoke Szathmáry, University of Manitoba president and vice-chancellor.

“And that means everyone, from very young novice player[s] to elite high- performance athletes, will be able to use it [and] enjoy this new facility.

“I think it’s terrific. I think the more people actually discover the University of Manitoba, the stronger an institution it’s going to be. We’re part of the community so this is our contribution to it, and it also benefits us, which is great.”

Earlier plans had included discussions of the creation of 170 new parking spots. As of Monday’s announcement, no new parking is planned.