Source: City of Brandon Media Release - March 8, 2024
(Photo submitted)
Brandon, MB – Cougars soccer will have a new home field at the Maple Leaf Foods Sports Complex. The college and the City of Brandon have reached a partnership agreement that will see the FIFA Field be developed and named Cougars Field until at least 2040.
Cougars Field will be part of the Maple Leaf Foods Sports Complex, a multi-sport venue located at First Street and Veterans Way. The complex will feature a lighted FIFA sized soccer field, eight 11 v 11 soccer fields, a 9 v 9 soccer field, a cricket pitch, a clubhouse with changerooms and washrooms, and 3.6 km of pathways. The project, which is supported by the governments of Canada and Manitoba, is expected to be completed by early 2025.
"We are thrilled to have Assiniboine College as a partner in the Maple Leaf Foods Sports Complex," said Mayor Jeff Fawcett. "Assiniboine is a valued partner of the City of Brandon, and together with all of our sponsors, we are committed to enhancing our city for the benefit of all."
The college will retain naming rights, have preferred access to field times, signage, access to amenities, and no operating costs as part of the 15-year, $475,000 sponsorship partner agreement.
"Given the proximity to our North Hill Campus, working in partnership with the community just made sense," noted Mark Frison, president of Assiniboine. "For the college, this makes best use of scarce resources for capital development and operating costs for our varsity athletic program. Further, it allows the field to be used by the rest of the community and managed by those with expertise in the sport."
The college estimated that building a similar field on its own campus land would be well over $1 million in construction, plus additional annual operating and maintenance costs. The college began the varsity soccer program in 2013.
The City of Brandon is dedicated to providing quality events, programs, facilities, and services to all residents, while being responsible with its main revenue source, property tax dollars.
Partnering is a way for the City to generate alternative funding sources to improve the quality of life for the residents of Brandon and the surrounding area.
Sponsorship is a great opportunity to partner with the City of Brandon and promote your business or organization. There are still several sponsorship opportunities available for various fields and amenities. If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact City of Brandon Parks & Recreation Services at parks@brandon.ca or 204-729-2148.
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