Sport Calgary Statement on Fieldhouse Planning

CALGARY, Alberta — Yesterday’s Council meeting was summed up as “a good day’s work” by Mayor Naheed Nenshi.

“Sport Calgary couldn’t agree more, and now welcomes the continuing focus on the standalone multisport Fieldhouse at Foothills Athletic Park”, said Murray Sigler, Sport Calgary CEO. “The case for a Fieldhouse is clear, driven in recent times by the grassroots efforts of the Calgary Multisport Fieldhouse Society.”

The Foothills Athletic Park design - as currently proposed by city administration - aligns with the expressed needs of sport groups and community users across all amateur sport in Calgary. Feasibility studies indicate the facility would be financially sustainable due to significant usage from many groups.

As well, the design would be integrated with overall University of Calgary campus plans dedicated to sport and recreation, and would be complementary to its internationally recognized Faculty of Kinesiology.

The new Council Fieldhouse Assessment Committee struck yesterday should consider all potential development approaches for Foothills Athletic Park. However, the future of McMahon Stadium itself is yet to be decided. The economics and community benefits of a CFL stadium are much different than those of a standalone Fieldhouse and should proceed sequentially after completion of a Fieldhouse.

“Calgary is the only major city in Canada without a Fieldhouse. After 52 years of grassroots advocacy, it appears Calgary may finally add a critical piece of sport infrastructure,” said Sigler.

“It’s time to build it and create a legacy for our community.”