Halifax’s permanent stadiums inch closer to becoming a reality

Current Wanderers Grounds pop-up stadium.

The push to build a new permanent outdoor stadium in downtown Halifax is gaining momentum.

The city has taken a step closer to making a new venue a reality, to replace the Wanderers Grounds temporary pop-up stadium as council has decided to examine design and construction proposals.

“I see the need for a stadium, but I see the need for a proper stadium,” said Halifax Regional Municipality Councillor Patty Cuttell, who would like city planners to choose a different location to preserve the community green space and she’s concerned the project may require a bigger seating plan.

“We are a growing city, and we can’t undersize that stadium and we need the right size.”

In its current state, the Wanderers Grounds is the home field for men’s and women’s professional soccer. Sellout crowds have been consistent, which has resulted in a push for a permanent facility to be built on the same site.

There are potential roads blocks, with some arguing that using public land to house a stadium for professional soccer is a bad idea.

“If it should pass, I know for sure there would be a court action challenging in that decision,” said Friends of Halifax Commons board member Howard Epstein.

The current pop-up stadium version of the Wanderers Grounds seats roughly 6,000 people. Saint Mary’s University head football coach Steve Sumarah hopes a new stadium will have a capacity of at least 20,000, to open the door for Halifax to one day have a team in the Canadian Football League.

“If you’re going to talk about a stadium, then you have to talk about all the extras with it like the CFL,” said Sumarah. “What are the sports and the other use?”

Size and space are also ongoing concerns. Some council members argue the Halifax Wanderers Grounds is too small of a footprint to build a permanent stadium and say the city should search for different locations.