Calgary’s new Multisport Fieldhouse Committee holds first meeting

Calgary’s new Multisport Fieldhouse Committee (MFC) held its first meeting Wednesday.

The group aims to build a community-centered, competition-capable multisport fieldhouse — the first of its kind in the city.

The fieldhouse will be located in Foothills and it will be a welcoming and inclusive space, supporting court sports and athletics.

In addition, the state-of-the-art facility will include a FIFA-sized soccer pitch, track and field centre, court spaces, a fitness centre, and other multipurpose rooms.

It will give Calgary the opportunity to host national and international sports competitions, enhancing its economy by attracting sports tourism and creating more jobs.

“Calgary remains the only major Canadian city without a fieldhouse,” said councillor and chair of the MFC Jasmine Mian. “The Foothills Multisport Fieldhouse will address a long-standing need for year-round community practice, and play space while enabling Calgary to host national and international competitions.”

Meanwhile, the City of Calgary has designated $109 million for this project; however, the project also needs funding from other levels of government.

“Since the original concept plan for the fieldhouse was developed in 2010, the sport and recreation landscape in Calgary has changed,” said Heather Johnson, director of Recreation & Social Programs at The City of Calgary. “We want to ensure the amenity mix and layout for the fieldhouse serves as many sport and community groups as possible while minimizing required tax support.”

The Foothills Multisport Fieldhouse’s development is estimated to be complete five years from the time total funding is secured.

For more information, visit the city’s website.