UWinnipeg to build athletics fieldhouse

A massive, athletics complex is set to be built on the University of Winnipeg campus.

The three-level $31.5-million complex will include a regulation-size indoor soccer field that will accommodate other sports such as lacrosse and touch-football, a 10,000-square-foot Wellness Centre, classrooms for athletics and kinesiology students, and a parkade for 268 vehicles.

The fieldhouse will also be operated on a "community-use protocol" that ensures inner-city neighbourhood children and organizations have access.

The U of W now supports six community sports teams of youth aged 9-13 in partnership with organizations such as the Spence Neighbourhood Association and the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba, according to a news release from the university.

'This new complex, which will be accessible to all, will help us meet the growing demand for a high quality facility in the city's downtown.' —Premier Greg Selinger

U of W officials first spoke in 2007 about their hope to build the fieldhouse and the City of Winnipeg pledged $2 million towards the project when it released its budget in February.

But Thursday's announcement was prompted by a commitment of $15 million from the province, which gave the project the push it needed to go forward.

"Manitobans are avid sport enthusiasts and soccer is one of the fastest growing sports in the province, enjoyed by all ages," said Premier Greg Selinger.

"This new complex, which will be accessible to all, will help us meet the growing demand for a high quality facility in the city's downtown."

The fieldhouse will be built between Young Street and Spence Street, and bordered on the north and south sides by the university's Duckworth Centre and the CBC building.

The fieldhouse will be linked to the Duckworth on the third level through a link that will include public washrooms and change rooms.

"The University of Winnipeg recently added competitive men and women's soccer to the Wesmen family, and today's announcement by Premier Selinger means our students, faculty and coaches will see a significant expansion of athletic and related academic programming," said U of W president Lloyd Axworthy.

 "We will also see an increase in intramural programming, and enhanced opportunities for inner city children and youth."

The regulation-sized soccer field in the complex will also be able to be divided into three smaller fields for indoor and youth soccer games.

The construction of the fieldhouse will require the demolition of McNamara Hall, which currently houses various offices and classrooms.

The groundbreaking for the fieldhouse is targeted for spring 2012.