Varsity Stadium dome expands athletic options
Dec 21/06by : Communications
The dome over the playing field of the new Varsity Centre has been inflated, providing U of T with additional opportunities for all-weather sports and recreation programming.
“With the dome in place, we are ready to launch an exciting range of programming this winter,” said Professor Bruce Kidd, dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Health. “This aspect of the facility creates new potential for year-round opportunities to play, train, teach and learn.”
The air-supported structure is one of the largest of its kind in Canada and is a significant part of the redevelopment of the historic Varsity Stadium site at the south-west corner of Bloor and Devonshire Streets.
The portable structure has risen to its maximum height of 18 metres – approximately the height of a five-storey building. It is 64 metres wide and 107 metres long – large enough to cover the entire field, dramatically increasing playing time for intramural teams and practice time for Varsity Blues track and field, football, field hockey, soccer, lacrosse and rugby teams.
Students on the long waiting list for intramural sports will now have the opportunity to spring into action, as the new field under the dome plays host to indoor soccer, field hockey, Ultimate Frisbee, flag football and lacrosse.
“Community outreach is another important aspect of the Faculty of Physical Education and Health,” said Kidd. “The dome allows us to enhance our community programs for children and youth, and to create a brand new offering: a driving range for golfers looking for an off-season practice space”.
The driving range, opening in January, will be available to the U of T community and the general public every weekday in the morning and early afternoon.
The dome structure is meant to be in place for the winter months, and will be dismantled and stored on or near the site in the spring. It is part of the the first phase of the Varsity Centre, which also includes the construction of a 5,000-seat grandstand, state-of-the-art artificial surface playing field, an eight-lane track, change rooms, lighting and an electronic scoreboard. Proposed subsequent phases include a three- or four-storey building with teaching and training facilities and significant renovations to Varsity Arena. The complete project is expected to cost in the range of $61.7 million with the university contributing the first $21.7 million. The remainder will come from a capital fund raising campaign.
The project has been designed by Diamond + Schmitt Architects Inc. in association with Ellerbe Becket of the United States. Internationally renowned Toronto-based Diamond + Schmitt has completed several projects on U of T’s St. George campus, most recently the award-winning Bahen Centre for Information Technology and the Morrison Pavilion addition to the Gerstein Science Information Centre. Ellerbe Becket has been ranked as one of the top 20 U.S. architecture and engineering firms and second in the world in sports facility design according to a 2004 World Architecture survey.