Saskatoon soccer stadium pause leaves chamber CEO disappointed

Construction on Saskatoon’s soccer stadium – a facility that would’ve housed a Canadian Premier League team – has been put on pause.

The project was halted due to construction costs being too high.

Jason Aebig, CEO of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, said he’s not thrilled about the stadium project being paused.

“I think it is a disappointment, simply because there seemed to be so much upside and opportunity tied to it,” said Aebig.

“When the initial announcement was made, there was a great deal of excitement around the development of not only the facility, but the introduction of a (Canadian) Premier League team.”

Aebig said he hopes to see the project resume when the time is right, and still believes the city will see great benefit from it.

“There’s no question that the league is looking to expand and grow, and it should absolutely be in Saskatchewan, and that first-to-market presence should be in Saskatoon,” said Aebig. “It would be a wonderful development opportunity for Prairieland Park.”

Aebig said a new stadium means more restaurants, hotels and other businesses could begin to look at moving in near the facility.

“That’s the real benefit of having a facility like the one they are talking about; it’s the versatility,” said Aebig, “not to mention all the spinoff businesses that come with it, like retail, hospitality and restaurants.”

Aebig said there’s no question that the stadium project would generate economic activity in that part of the city.