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One model of a soccer centre that may suit Whitehorse is that currently in use in Lethbridge. It is a "user oriented facility," which means it is designed to meet the recreation needs of the users. The rectangular building contains two soccer fields with seating in between. At one end of the building are all the ancillary spaces: entranceway, offices, storage, washrooms, changerooms, concession and lounge. The photos here are courtesy of Bruce Primeau, Manager of the Lethbridge Soccer Centre.
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The outside of the building is utilitarian. Prefabricated steel structure is the least expensive solid construction (inflatable domes are not an option for Whitehorse because of poor insulation and excessive heating costs). The building was designed to provide a permanent indoor soccer venue to the community at a reasonable cost. Included in the $3.9 million capital expenditure was the parking lot for 300 vehicles (at left) and a section of roadway. If a centre was included in the Whitehorse Multiplex, it would be the least expensive component to build, the least expensive to operate, and probably the area used by the most people.
Below we see the inside of the building as viewed from a corner of a soccer field. On the right is the seating area. Beyond the seating is the second field which is not visible. At the far end are the ancillary spaces. A section of the boards in the far corner is glass window. Through the glass you can see the entranceway and concession area. The second floor has the restaurant/lounge from which parents and fans can watch either game.
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On the field itself you can see the rounded corners, the boards, and the recessed goal. There is a youth game in progress. These pictures are from the first season of use but the association had already sold advertising space on the boards and above the goal. The players' benches and penalty boxes are to the left and cannot be seen. Between the top of the boards and the ceiling there are nets to catch errant balls. These are hard to see here but the nets are visible in the Edmonton Soccer Centre picture on the main page.
Below is the walkway betweeen the two seating areas. The photo is taken from the end of the building looking back at the restaurant. Both fields have games in progress and fans in attendance. To the left is a full field game. To the right, the field has a portable plywood divider in the middle (barely visible through the railing) and two games are taking place with younger players.
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Thanks for taking the tour. Any questions?
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