Foothills Fieldhouse
The project
The multi-sport fieldhouse will be an indoor facility for athletics and other sports. The Foothills Athletic Park multisport fieldhouse has been identified as a priority for Calgary and represents a keystone facility for The City, aligning with the Recreation Master Plan to address an existing gap for indoor practice and play space. It will also allow Calgary to host sporting events that will attract tourists and support local business.
The proposed location for the multisport fieldhouse would be on the grounds of Foothills Athletic Park, which is located at 2424 University Dr. N.W., directly west of Crowchild Tr. and south of 24th Ave. N.W.
Proposed features of the new fieldhouse include:
- One 400-metre, 8 lane indoor track.
- Jumping and throwing areas.
- One rectangular field located inside the track for multiple activities, including field sports, batting cages, baseball training, tennis or golf hitting cages.
- Eight basketball courts that can change into 12 volleyball courts or 16 badminton courts.
- Space for up to 10,000 viewers in the gymnasium courts.
- Storage rooms and washrooms.
- Fitness and weight training facilities.
- Multi-purpose rooms.
- Administration and operational support space.
- Change rooms and related amenities.
- Outdoor playground.
- Parking.
Benefits to Calgarians
Investment
The cost of the multi-sport fieldhouse is estimated at $285.8 M over a five-year period, including inflation. The timeline to complete the project is estimated at five years from the time funding becomes available.
Project background
The Foothills Athletic Park was built in the 1960s and 1970s and includes numerous surrounding facilities. While the athletic park and McMahon lands are still heavily used, the site never had a master plan and facilities were simply added over time.
A concept plan is in development for the Foothills Athletic Park and McMahon stadium lands, focusing on creating a vision for the lands that recognizes the tremendous opportunity of a potential new fieldhouse, improvements to McMahon stadium, and the growing trend toward entertainment focused mixed-use districts anchored by sports facilities. The concept plan will include siting for the fieldhouse as part of its work.
Timeline
A timeline for design and construction has not been established. The Fieldhouse has been identified as a high priority for The City and Calgarians. The City remains committed to the development of the Foothills Athletic Park upon approval of full project funding.