Project Plan
Early in 2007 the Calgary Sport Council, in partnership with the City of Calgary, undertook an extensive study to identify critical issues affecting sport in Calgary. The Calgary Soccer Federation, its member leagues and individual soccer clubs, participated and provided input into the Calgary Sport Council’s study. One of the underlying findings was that Calgary has a critical shortage of rectangular fields of sufficient quality to accommodate a higher caliber of play for soccer and a variety of other sports. The field shortage severely constrains the ability of any sport group to meet the necessary requirements to host national and international competitions and tournaments.
“By enhancing the existing natural turf fields through the development of multi purpose artificial turf fields, sport will benefit through increased field capacity, increased sport participation, enhanced participant and athlete safety, extended playing season and increased sport tourism opportunities in Calgary.”
Outdoor Artificial Turf Field Development Plan, City of Calgary, June 2009
To help address this issue and continue to develop soccer at a high level in Calgary, we have a well thought out business plan for building and operating five new fields at the SUBWAY Soccer Centre as well as having a longer term vision for the development of additional fields and facilities within Calgary:
"The development of these new fields is one of our greatest priorities. We are grateful for the leadership and hard work of members of the Calgary soccer community who have lead this process and developed a great vision for going forward."
Gord Smith, Chair, Calgary Sport Council
Project Outline
- The Calgary Sport Council, in cooperation with the City of Calgary, has identified the greatest shortfall in facilities for field sports is currently in outdoor rectangular fields;
- Comparative studies across Canada show that Calgary is lagging behind all other major urban centres in the area of artificial turf;
- The SUBWAY Soccer Centre (SSC) was identified as the ideal location for new artificial turf because the infrastructure already exists to handle increased local use while also managing major tournaments;
- Artificial turf has proven to be more environmentally friendly, safer for the athletes, adaptable and durable;
- The fields can be used for soccer, ultimate Frisbee, football, field lacrosse, rugby and cricket;
- Artificial turf fields will double the current annual capacity for playing time hours and as such are financially sustainable generating sufficient revenue to pay for lifecycle and maintenance costs, operating reserves and contribute to the future development of sport and facilities.
