Frequently Asked Questions
How will the new fieldhouses improve the spectator experience?
As part of the sports facilities master plan we are seeking support for, any future fieldhouse would seek to improve the experience for athletes, spectators, and the community. These facilities would address existing challenges, such as limited spectator seating, accessibility, and outdated amenities.
Are there currently sports facilities under construction?
CMSA supports the investments made by the City of Calgary to further accessibility to sport in our community. However, more action is needed to ensure soccer remains accessible for all Calgarians. To address this, CMSA is calling on all levels of government to become funding partners, while empowering grassroots organizations like CMSA to take the lead in designing, building, and managing facilities. By entrusting those closest to the players and the heart of the sport, this approach would maximize the efficient use of tax dollars, enabling the creation of more facilities that are both accessible and affordable for a wider range of the community.
Why does Calgary need new soccer facilities?
Calgary is experiencing rapid growth and so is its soccer community. With over 30,000 kids registered to play this year—larger than the next 3 most popular sports combined, existing facilities are at capacity, and without new fieldhouses, we risk turning kids away as early as next season.
Why is investing in soccer important for Calgary’s community?
Soccer is an all-year round sport that unites people from all walks of life, fostering inclusivity and strengthening community bonds. If soccer is no longer accessible because we don’t have enough year-round field spaces, this threatens part of our community’s social fabric, which plays a key role in making Calgary a vibrant and connected city.
What economic benefits would new soccer facilities bring to Calgary?
A facilities plan that supports the construction of new fieldhouses would boost Calgary’s economy by creating jobs during construction and operation, hosting tournaments and events, and attracting visitors who support local businesses.
Why hasn’t the CMSA started the process of turfing the existing Calgary Soccer Centre/or other facilities?
We’ve been actively working with the city on these initiatives over the last several years. We hope that our awareness campaign and the influence our community will help get those initiatives prioritized and funded. We encourage you to sign up on the website and email your elected officials to help create the change we all want to see.
Why does the CMSA need government funding, why don’t the clubs fund new facilities?
Even though soccer’s popularity has grown exponentially in recent years, our goal is to keep soccer as accessible as possible to every Calgarian family. We simply don’t have the financial means to self-fund new facilities on our own and need the partnership of all levels of government.
Are there other sports that will benefit from these facilities?
Yes! While the focus is on soccer, multipurpose fieldhouses can accommodate other sports and activities, providing broad community benefit.
How much would it cost to build a new field house?
While a feasibility and cost assessment still need to be done, we can look to other similar projects as examples. The recently cancelled recreation centre in Chestermere which had broken ground on Aug. 19, 2021, came with an estimated project cost of $39.5 million. Another example is found in Thunder Bay, Ontario, where the city identified a need for an indoor turf facility in its Recreation and Facilities Master Plan, with an estimated 2020 capital cost of $33.6M.
How can I get involved?
The most effective way to show your support is to sign up on the campaign website – www.fieldsforourfuture.ca. Sharing the campaign within your networks to do the same and engaging with us on social media to amplify our message is another way to help us spread the word. Look for our handle (calgaryminorsoccer) on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
Wouldn't it be cheaper to build a soccer dome?
Yes, but not as much as you might think. The proposed Calgary Soccer Centre dome & artificial turf field upgrade is estimated to cost $23 million. By making a slightly higher investment, we can have a fieldhouse that is built to last decades, one that:
Can handle every season, with greater resistance to harsh weather conditions, like strong winds, snow loads, or storms.
Better insulation and HVAC systems allow for effective temperature regulation, making it more comfortable for players and spectators during extreme weather.
Can accommodate additional features like locker rooms, offices, viewing areas, fitness rooms, concessions, or multi-sport courts.
Enhances the area’s visual appeal and provides a more professional, permanent facility for events beyond soccer.
Can have potentially lower annual maintenance costs compared to domes, which often need more frequent repairs or replacements.
Are you having trouble signing-up or experiencing other technical difficulties?
We’ll be happy to help you any way we can! Please send us an email at info@fieldsforourfuture.ca so that we can help you troubleshoot.
Who owns and operates the sports facilities across the city?
CMSA owns and operates the Shane Homes West Soccer Dome. Outside of this facility, all other facilities across the city are either privately owned or owned and operated by the City of Calgary. As part of a new facilities master plan, CMSA would take on ownership and operation of the new fieldhouse(s).
Why don’t we take advantage of all the school fields that are not in use for parts of the year?
The primary need of soccer is for new fieldhouses to support the demand for year-round play and tournament facilities, which outdoor fields simply cannot meet. While school fields may seem like an untapped resource, the reality is they’re not always an option.
Outdoor Field Suited for Tournaments: The field crunch is less severe during the outdoor season, but there are limited multi-field sites that can host tournaments, which is a major challenge.
Permits and Access: Not all school fields are available for use, as many require permits that are difficult to obtain.
Field Conditions: Many community and school fields are not suitable for league play due to issues like poor maintenance, uneven surfaces, or limited amenities, such as washrooms and parking. Building modern, accessible fieldhouses would ensure that Calgarians have high-quality, year-round facilities for soccer and other sports, meeting both current and future needs of players and the community.