VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC are one step closer to moving into their new home.
Construction on the club’s state-of-the-art National Soccer Development Centre (NSDC) fieldhouse is now underway after ground was broken on Wednesday at UBC – just over a year ahead of its expected completion (March 2017).
- WATCH: LIVE CONSTRUCTION CAMERA
“We’ve been working on this project for a decade or more to try and find a suitable home,” said Whitecaps FC chief operating officer Rachel Lewis. “So to actually be in a position where the building is designed, the underground work is completed, and we’re starting to build above ground is super exciting. It’s a major milestone for the club in terms of having a long term home for the technical side of our business, which will allow us to integrate all of our programs under one roof.”
The 35,000-square foot fieldhouse will be located in Thunderbird Park, directly adjacent to the Rashpal Dhillon Track & Field Oval. The fieldhouse was designed by award-winning local firm Acton Ostry Architects and internationally recognized BBB Architects, while Syncra Construction is the on-site construction manager and general contractor.
In addition to the fieldhouse, the NSDC will feature three grass fields and two artificial turf fields neighbouring the facility.
One of the artificial turf fields (Ken Woods) and one of the grass fields (Dhillon) have already been completed and fully operational for some time. The other two grass fields are seeded and growing (expected to be operational late fall 2016 or early spring 2017), and the remaining turf field will be completed this spring.
Once built, the NSDC will become the new training base for the Whitecaps FC MLS, USL, and Residency teams, UBC’s soccer teams, as well as the West Coast base for Canada’s men’s, women’s, and youth national teams.
The NSDC is a joint initiative between Whitecaps FC, UBC, and the BC government.
FLY-THROUGH
RENDERINGS
(click to enlarge)
Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver! 2016 Whitecaps FC Season Tickets are on sale from $39/month all in. In addition to Season Tickets, Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket, and single match tickets. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
