Simon Fraser University announced the first phase of the student-led stadium project, which will see covered stadium seating built into the hillside at Terry Fox field on the Burnaby campus.
The project is expected to be completed by April 2020 through a $10-million contribution from SFU students.
The stadium will become the permanent home to Canada’s only National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) teams. It will feature seating for approximately 1,800, a full roof, washroom facilities and a media centre.
The stadium would serve as the home field for the football team and men’s and women’s soccer.
As a part of the agreement, the university will provide any additional funding necessary to complete the first phase of the project. SFU will manage the project and the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) will contribute annually to the university from 2019-2030 through a special student levy.
SFU will contribute an additional $50,000 annually to the SFSS from 2016-2030 to assist undergraduate students (SFSS members) experiencing financial challenges as a result of the levy.
“The venue will provide a space to host campus community events, including student orientation, concerts, tournaments and recreational activities, in addition to being the permanent home of our NCAA teams,” said Tim Rahilly, SFU’s associate vice-president, students and international.
As the only Canadian university offering a NCAA experience, the stadium will play an instrumental role in supporting Clan student athletes and raising the profile of the university.
This student-led stadium project is a part of an SFSS initiative dedicated to building a new student union building and stadium at the Burnaby campus. The consultation process ended with students voting in favour of the funding levy.
“For the first time in our history, our student athletes will have a permanent outdoor home on campus where students can come together to build and celebrate school spirit,” Theresa Hanson, senior director athletics and recreation, said in a press release. “The stadium project will enable us to bring entertainment and life to the campus, and engage with alumni and surrounding community.”
Fourth-year student Jordan Herdman, a linebacker for the Clan football team, says that the stadium project will provide a home for student athletes to showcase their hard work and talent.
“Playing in front of home fans means the world to an athlete because they know that everybody in the crowd is cheering for them,” said Herdman.
