Halifax signs off on downtown stadium

Halifax council has signed off on a popup downtown soccer stadium, bringing the city closer to capturing a coveted new FIFA-sanctioned professional soccer team franchise.

Councillors unanimously approved a motion Tuesday that gives municipal staff the green light to draw up a rental agreement with Sports Entertainment Atlantic.

The company has pitched a temporary soccer facility with up to 7,000 seats for a team that would be part of the new Canadian Premier League.

Sports Entertainment Atlantic president Derek Martin says the team, which might be called the Halifax Football Club, would host 10 regular season games during the league’s first season in 2018.