SPRUCE MEADOWS
Soccer stadium boon for area
News out of Spruce Meadows about a professional soccer arena heading to the world class equestrian facility is not only a boost for fans of the sport in the city, but also a win for existing and future residents of communities nearby, say developers.
As reported in a story by Postmedia, in the next year, existing facilities at Spruce Meadows will be renovated into a soccer stadium that will seat 5,000 to 7,000 fans. With Calgary granted professional membership from Soccer Canada, this could be home turf for a team in the new Canadian Premier League, slated to start in spring of 2019.
Developers of new communities located near the future arena are pleased with the announcement.
“This is a fantastic development for the southwest area and specifically for our upcoming Yorkville community,” says Don Barrineau, division president of Mattamy Homes. “Anytime you add something with the significance and critical mass like a professional sports arena to an area, it enhances overall value and enjoyment. It adds to community, which is what we build.”
Yorkville will build out to about 2,450 homes on land at Sheriff King Street and 194th Avenue S.W. Mattamy, which builds all of the homes in the communities it develops, will open pre-construction sales this June.
“Spruce Meadows is a great asset adjacent to Yorkville as it is; verywell-run, beautiful, albeit somewhat underutilized,” Barrineau says. “In my opinion, this adds to that exponentially.”
Anthem United held a formal launch of its new Belmont community last month. It’s on land southeast of Silverado, bordered to the north by 194th Avenue S.W. and south by 210th Avenue — and will build out to more than 2,000 homes.
“A soccer stadium at Spruce Meadows and professional team in Calgary would be a major score for the city and an extraordinary amenity for residents of Belmont,” says Steve LePan, development manager for Anthem United. “Like all Calgarians, we are excited at the prospect of following a professional team, but we are especially excited for the kids growing up in these new communities. It will be a whole new experience and introduction to the sport.”
“Spruce Meadows is less than 10 minutes from Belmont and already a unique amenity for residents to enjoy the outdoors and affordable family recreation,” he adds.
Residents of Dressage in Silverado have long enjoyed the proximity to Spruce Meadows. This established community by Qualico Communities is now down to its final 10 lot sales.
“With the announcement of the new soccer stadium in the existing Spruce Meadows this is an exciting time for residents of Silverado and the City of Calgary,” says Laura Field, marketing co-ordinator for Qualico. “Soccer is a global game, and one many Calgarians enjoy.”