The group looking to convert Marquis Downs into a brand-new multi-use soccer stadium is seeking $8 million dollars from the City of Saskatoon to help fund the $28 million dollar project.

The City’s planning and development committee heard from a dozen speakers Monday, most of who were there representing Prairieland Park and Living Sky Sports and Entertainment.

Steve Chisholm, Chair of Prairieland’s Board of Directors says provincial and federal funding would fall into place if the City green lights Prairieland’s request.

City councillors heard from administration that City doesn’t currently have open funds for the type of project being presented, but a further report will be presented in the future on possible funding avenues.

The plan is to have a Canadian Premier League soccer club anchor the new stadium. The CPL is a relatively new league having formed in 2019. The league currently has eight teams with its sights set on having 16 clubs in the future.

Chisholm says having a CPL team in Saskatchewan would provide local soccer players with a chance at playing professional soccer close to home, similar to what the Saskatchewan Roughriders have accomplished in recent years with local football talent.

“I describe this as a generational facility. Cause not only does it serve the needs of today, it serves the need of Saskatoon going forward, our citizens, it will provide recreation, physical well-being, give citizens, especially youth opportunity, an outlet for not only physical, but mental health.”

Prairieland Park will put up $2 million towards the project and Living Sky Sport and Entertainment will also support the project by providing $2 million in funding.

The plan is to break ground on the project in the spring of 2023 with the facility opening in 2024.