Indoor Soccer Complex

Winnipeg is about to get a new home for the world's most popular sport. Construction of the Indoor Soccer Complex at the University of Manitoba has begun, giving the city it's the first multi-field, indoor facility

The project received funding from Canada, Manitoba and Winnipeg, under both the MRIF and RLIP. In addition, the University of Manitoba and Winnipeg Soccer Federation (WSF) are also providing funds.

Soccer is the fastest growing sport in Winnipeg. You don't have to go far on any summer night to find kids, youth or adults kicking around a ball, whether in a game of pick-up or as a part of a league. In fact, league registration in the city has doubled in the past 10 years.

"We've maintained schedule through the winter," explained Dave Dulco, project manager for Bird Construction, as he lead a tour of officials around the construction site. With the foundation work complete and the steel shell mostly built, the complex is eyeing an October 1 opening date.

"We have an official FIFA-size turf coming in here that's 70 by 120 metres," said Dulco. The turf is scheduled to be installed in August.

The clear-span facility allows for a number of different field configurations, using curtains to divide the turf into two or four smaller fields. The 9,700 square metre complex will have 12 changing rooms, four of them being able to service potential outdoor fields. In addition, the complex will house a lounge, concession stand, pro shop, children's play area, administration office and seminar room.

The top-of-the-line facility will also be environmentally friendly. Low-flow showers and low-flush toilets, a Power Smart electrical system and prominent use of natural light will reduce the building's environmental impact and lower operating costs.

Most of the peak playing time will be reserved for amateur soccer events, but the facility will also be available for other sporting events and U of M programs. According to estimates, more than 250,000 people will use the facility each year. The demand for the new complex is so great that it is expected to be fully booked by the time it opens.