New Calgary multisport fieldhouse plan segments sports to improve access

A revamped multisport field home in Calgary would segment the sports facilities rather than an all-in-one area.

The updated plan was presented at the inaugural meeting of the Multisport Fieldhouse Committee on Wednesday.

The plan for 2010 included a variety of sporting events with a 400 meter track as the focus. The building would have a single roof span. The other venues would be spread out inside and around the main track.

The new plan calls for a different configuration with two separate roof spans. Sports fields such as football or lacrosse would be separated from other court areas and a special athletics area.

“Separate facilities would significantly reduce the number of full facility closures required during events and provide all groups with greater continuity and certainty in planning and organizing their programs and activities,” said Florent Le Berre, Manager Service Strategy, Recreation and Social programs with the City of Calgary.

“Another advantage of separating the facilities is the avoidance of interference between user groups during games and practices.”

It could also save money and generate more revenue. The previous Foothills Athletic Park Redevelopment Advisory Committee (FAPRAC) plan valued the proposed field home (2019) at $300 million.

The shorter spans are typically less expensive. The one-field concept could limit the widespread use of the field house. The separate areas allow different groups to book it without worrying about sporting conflicts.

“Revenue generation can be optimized to find the right balance between the diverse users of the facility and the recreational users,” said Le Berre.

City officials also said naming rights would be on the table for annual revenue generation.

A proposed improvement in facilities would include a review of the seating for the different sports areas along with the different sports needed now and in the future.

Citizens weigh in on public submissions

Jason Zaran, Chair of the Calgary Multisport Fieldhouse Society, reminded the committee that Calgary is the only major Canadian city without a fieldhouse. He mentioned, as did others, that the city has had a multi-sport field home on the books since 1967.

He said a multisport field home is a place to nurture elite athletes by allowing more Calgarians access to the sport. Zaran said that athletes need a spot because “they don’t become top athletes right away.”

“The Feldhaus is indeed a game changer because it’s that big step you take and after that everything falls into place. It’s a world-class place where you can train, compete and be active,” he said.

“It’s an iconic facility that gives us momentum and allows us to put Calgary back on top.”

He noted that Calgary has the oldest football stadium, the oldest hockey arena, and dilapidated Olympic facilities.

“New or upgraded facilities must be cornerstones of Calgary’s vision for the future,” said Zaran.

Jason Ribeiro, community attorney, director of Sports Calgary and vice chairman and president of the new Calgary Surge professional basketball team, said many Calgarians exercise in unsafe places — like warehouses.

“Let’s get kids out of these warehouses. Let’s discourage organizers from renting basements at the foot of churches and get them to play sports in an environment that is safe, welcoming and like this image that I find incredibly compelling, really powerful for city building is,” he said.

Others provided more information on space requirements, particularly for new – and old – sports like padel and lacrosse and pickleball.

“However, without access to facilities designed to support lacrosse, we not only restrict athletes on the national stage, but also educational opportunities,” said Jillian Alexander, executive director of the Alberta Lacross Association.

Social ROI, international hosting

district 5 district. Raj Dhaliwal asked the city manager about the social viability of the investment and made sure it was an accessible facility. He said they have a new indoor soccer turf in the Northeast and he regularly hears how unaffordable it is to rent.

“I just want to make sure it’s for all Calgarians; What I mean by that is affordable, accessible and not just for privileged groups who can afford it,” he said.

Heather Johnson, director of recreational and social programs for the City of Calgary, said they would look at the operating model to make sure it’s fair. This includes the pricing and tax support needed to keep prices down.

They are also working on a Game Plan strategy, a long-term vision for publicly funded recovery in Calgary.

The space also creates venues for large sporting events.

The city said the facility was ready for competition – not just for national or international events, but also for regional and local events.

Tourism Calgary’s Carson Ackroyd said a lack of world-class events across a variety of sporting disciplines coming to Calgary is not due to a lack of desire. He said the facility would attract events to the city.

“If we can build a piece of infrastructure, I can guarantee you that we can secure the events that increase the economic return on that investment,” he said.

Deborah Yedlin, president and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, said tourism is the city’s second largest industry. Bringing more people to Calgary is good for business, she said.

“The Fieldhouse is an opportunity for Calgary to become a springboard for a variety of regional tourism activities,” she said.

“We see the Multisport Field House as an economic opportunity that creates important opportunities for business, job creation, attracting talent, commercializing our diversity and developing the community.”

A study to improve the equipment is expected in June 2023.