Simon Fraser University, located in British Columbia, has announced the first phase of its student-led stadium project, which will see covered stadium seating built into the hillside at Terry Fox field on the Burnaby campus by April 2020 thanks to a US$10m contribution from SFU students.
The stadium will become the permanent home to Canada’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) teams. It will feature seating for approximately 1,800, a full roof, washroom facilities and a media center. In future phases, the stadium project could expand to include other amenities, such as a field house with team locker rooms.
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 Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) will contribute annually to the university from 2019-2030 through a special student levy.
SFU will contribute an additional US$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 stadium project will enhance the student experience on campus,” says Tim Rahilly, SFU’s vice-provost and associate vice-president, students and international. “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.”
As the only Canadian university offering an NCAA experience, the stadium will play an instrumental role in supporting SFU 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 on SFU’s Burnaby campus. The planning process included multiple consultations with students, with students voting in favor of the student levy needed to bring both projects to fruition.
“The SFSS believes that the stadium project will provide great opportunities for students to enjoy an enhanced sense of community at SFU,” says Larissa Chen, SFSS president.
“In addition to the new student union building, the stadium will transform the campus experience for years to come.”
“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,” says Theresa Hanson, senior director athletics and recreation. “The stadium project will enable us to bring entertainment and life to the campus, and engage with alumni and surrounding community.”
April 12, 2017
Photo credit: Simon Fraser University
