Work begins on 'mega' soccer centre in south Edmonton
Construction has started in south Edmonton on a multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art soccer complex.
Known as the Edmonton Soccer Dome, the $7-million air-supported structure will boast the first full-size indoor field for soccer in the city.
"This will be the biggest sports dome in all of Canada and it's a great addition to Edmonton," said Antony Bent, the facility's general manager. "This really is going to be a megaproject."
The giant dome, 25 metres tall, is being built by the Edmonton Scottish Society on its 8.5 hectares of land at 3105 101st St. SW.
Antony Bent describes the soccer dome as a megaproject and the largest of its kind in Canada. (Trevor Wilson/CBC)
It will be 152 metres long and 82 metres wide.
Scottish society members have been dreaming of an indoor facility for several years because of a crunch in finding indoor playing time in winter.
"Facility space and the times at which facilities are available quite often are after 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., and that's tough for young families," said Kevin Poissant, technical director of the Edmonton Scottish United soccer club.
Poissant said earlier plans for a traditional-style building were too costly but the idea of an air-supported structure brought the dream within reach.
He likens the dome to a giant air balloon with the covering fabric held up by blowing air and held in place by cabling.
