LETHBRIDGE – The ULSU Multi-Activity Dome is moving ahead at the University of Lethbridge, with a long-term partnership between the University's Athletics and Recreation Services (ARS) department and the Lethbridge Soccer Association (LSA) helping turn a community need into new opportunities to play.
Named in recognition of title sponsor, the University of Lethbridge Students' Union (ULSU), the dome will be located north of the existing Community Sports Stadium. The facility will provide much-needed indoor recreation space for students, the University community and Lethbridge residents.
The University continues to work with Stantec on facility planning, and the project remains on schedule for an August 2027 opening.
LSA will become the dome's primary community tenant partner, securing dependable access for its members while making a significant investment in the facility's future. The association will contribute $500,000 toward the project over the initial agreement term, alongside a long-term rental commitment that will support facility operations.
The partnership reflects LSA's leadership in addressing a pressing need for its members: more space and a reliable place to play soccer throughout the year. Through sustained efforts to find a solution, backed by a substantial financial commitment, the association is helping deliver a facility whose benefits will extend beyond soccer to the broader community.
"LSA deserves tremendous credit for the leadership it has shown in getting us to this point. The association has been persistent in advocating for its members and has backed that work with a significant investment and a long-term commitment," says Neil Langevin, Executive Director of Athletics and Recreation Services at the University of Lethbridge. "The ULSU Multi-Activity Dome is moving forward, and LSA is a key reason why. Together with the support of our Students' Union and the City, we're creating a facility that will serve our students and bring more year-round recreation opportunities to Lethbridge."
A shared investment in recreation
The ULSU's title sponsorship places student support at the heart of the new facility, which will expand recreation options on campus while strengthening connections with community sport.
The City of Lethbridge has also provided a $200,000 contribution from the Community Capital Projects Grant (CCPG) program to help the project proceed, supporting the addition of much-needed recreation space for residents.
The project will be financed through an internal University loan under a cost-recovery model. Facility revenues are intended to cover operating expenses and repay the capital investment. Once the full capital cost has been repaid, the dome is expected to generate net revenue for the University after operating expenses.
Deborah Lucas, Vice-President Finance and Administration of the University adds, "This is an investment in recreation space that is designed to pay for itself and, over time, provide a financial return to the University. The ULSU's title sponsorship, LSA's long-term commitment and the City's contribution each play an important role in moving the project forward. It's a strong example of university and community partners working together to meet a shared need."
More space, more ways to play
The ULSU Multi-Activity Dome will feature a full-size soccer field with the flexibility to accommodate different youth soccer formats, including seven-a-side and nine-a-side play.
Plans also include two full-size sport courts, with potential uses including basketball and volleyball. A smaller fieldhouse outside the dome will serve as the facility's entrance.
The multi-sport design will expand indoor recreation options while giving LSA a reliable base for programming and opportunities to host tournaments.
"Our members have needed more space, and we've worked hard to find a solution that will serve them for years to come," says Steve Dudas, Executive Director of the Lethbridge Soccer Association. "This partnership is a major step forward for soccer in Lethbridge. We're proud to help make this new facility a reality, creating a space where our players can develop, our coaches can build programs, and our families can enjoy the game as we continue to grow the sport in our community."
A partnership built for the long term
The agreement includes an initial term of approximately 10 years, with options for two additional 10-year extensions. It provides LSA with guaranteed prime-time access, a preferred rental rate structure and priority tournament opportunities, while giving the University a dependable long-term rental commitment.
The partnership also recognizes LSA's role as the region's primary provider of recreational youth soccer. The University and LSA will coordinate programming calendars to encourage collaboration between community soccer, university camps and player-development opportunities.
