Plans for a new facility at the University of Lethbridge are moving ahead.
The post-secondary’s Athletics and Recreation Services department has announced a partnership with the Lethbridge Soccer Association as part of the new ULSU Multi-Activity Dome project.
The year-round recreation facility is anticipated to open in August 2027.
The dome will be located north of the existing Community Sports Stadium, and is named after its title sponsor, the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union.
Officials said the facility will offer “much-needed” indoor space for student-athletes, the University community and all Lethbridge residents.
The post-secondary is working with Stantec on planning for the site, and officials said the project is on schedule.
LETHBRIDGE SOCCER ASSOCIATION
Thanks to a newly announced partnership, the LSA will be the dome’s primary community tenant partner and is contributing $500,000 toward the project over the initial agreement term, along with a long-term rental commitment that will help with facility operations.
“LSA deserves tremendous credit for the leadership it has shown in getting us to this point. The association has been persistent in advocating for its members and has backed that work with a significant investment and a long-term commitment,” said Neil Langevin, Executive Director of Athletics and Recreation Services at the University of Lethbridge.
“The ULSU Multi-Activity Dome is moving forward, and LSA is a key reason why. Together with the support of our Students’ Union and the City, we’re creating a facility that will serve our students and bring more year-round recreation opportunities to Lethbridge.”
TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
Officials said the ULSU’s title sponsorship puts student support “at the heart of the new facility,” with hopes to expand recreational opportunities on campus and boost connections with the broader community in Lethbridge.
Meanwhile, the City of Lethbridge has provided $200,000 for the dome, from the Community Capital Projects Grant program.
The project is set to be financed through an internal U of L loan under a cost-recovery model. Officials noted that facility revenues are intended to cover operating costs and repay the capital investment. Once that full capital cost has been repaid, the dome is anticipated to generate net revenue for the U of L after operating expenses.
“This is an investment in recreation space that is designed to pay for itself and, over time, provide a financial return to the University,” said Deborah Lucas, Vice-President of Finance and Administration at the U of L.
“The ULSU’s title sponsorship, LSA’s long-term commitment and the City’s contribution each play an important role in moving the project forward. It’s a strong example of university and community partners working together to meet a shared need.”
MORE WAYS TO PLAY
The ULSU Multi-Activity Dome is set to feature a full-size soccer field, with the flexibility to host different youth soccer formats, including seven-a-side and nine-a-side games.
The plans also include two full-size sports courts. These could be used for basketball and volleyball, with a smaller fieldhouse outside the dome serving as the facility’s entrance.
Officials said the multi-sport design will be a major boost for the Lethbridge Soccer Association.
“Our members have needed more space, and we’ve worked hard to find a solution that will serve them for years to come,” said Executive Director Steve Dudas.
“This partnership is a major step forward for soccer in Lethbridge.”
Dudas added, “We’re proud to help make this new facility a reality, creating a space where our players can develop, our coaches can build programs, and our families can enjoy the game as we continue to grow the sport in our community.”
The agreement with the LSA includes an initial term of about 10 years and includes options for two additional 10-year extensions.
Officials said it will provide the association with “guaranteed prime-time access, a preferred rental rate structure and priority tournament opportunities, while giving the University a dependable long-term rental commitment.”
The U of L and the LSA will work together in setting up programming calendars, to encourage collaboration between community soccer, university camps and player-development opportunities.
READ MORE: New multi-sport dome coming to University of Lethbridge
