A 1,800-seat football stadium will open in spring 2020 thanks to a $10-million levy collected from SFU students.
The Simon Fraser Student Society led the initiative to build a new stadium on Burnaby campus’ Terry Fox field. The project will be funded through a $10-million contribution by the student body, collected annually from 2019 to 2030 through a SFSS student fee. The university will cover any additonal costs. The SFU Athletics department announced on April 5, 2017 plans for the first phase of the project on its website.
“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,” said Theresa Hanson, senior director of SFU athletics and recreation.
This will mark the SFU Clan football team’s first dedicated home stadium. In the past, The Clan has had to commute to nearby off-campus fields such as Swangard Stadium in Burnaby to host certain games.
But SFU’s athletics department won’t be the only group making use of the university’s new stadium.
“The stadium project will enhance the student experience on campus,” said Tim Rahilly, SFU’s vice-provost and associate vice-president of students. “The venue will provide a space to host campus community events, including student orientation, concerts, tournaments and recreational activities.”
The SFSS is also endeavoring to build a new student union and future phases of the stadium project may expand to include other amenities.
