By year 2020, watching soccer, football or track and field in the rain will be a thing of the past at Simon Fraser University.
The Burnaby-based university will soon be breaking ground on the first phase of the student-led stadium project, which will be built into the hillside at Terry Fox field.
The new stadium will include seating for approximately 1,800 people, a full roof, washrooms and a media centre.
Right now, students have no over-head cover while watching outdoor games on campus.
The project will be funded through a $10-million contribution from the Simon Fraser Student Society, and the university.
As a part of the agreement, the university will provide any additional funding necessary to complete the first phase of the project, while the student society will contribute funds from a new student levy to the University from 2019-2030.
SFU says it will contribute an additional $50,000 annually to assist undergraduate students (SFSS members) experiencing financial challenges as a result of the levy.
“Having a home stadium on campus will attract more students to our games and give us a true home field advantage,” said Jordan Herdman, a linebacker for the SFU football team and fourth-year student.
“Playing in front of home fans means the world to an athlete because they know that everybody in the crowd is cheering for them.”