Hillside Stadium could eventually be used year round if the city decides to pursue an idea to construct an air-supported dome over the field and track.
The City of Kamloops announced Wednesday that it and Thompson Rivers University are moving forward with a feasibility study that will provide a conceptual design and cost estimates for an removable dome over the stadium. It would allow for the field and track to be used during the winter months and would be removed in the spring.
The study and predesign are expected to be complete by May 2018.
The city says the dome would cover the entire field and 400-metre outdoor track. The facility would become home to TRU’s athletics and recreation programs and expand the city’s ability to host soccer and football events. Other user groups could also use the covered stadium to train through the winter.
“At this point, we are looking to find out how feasible it would be to construct this dome, in terms of budget, design, and the business case for the facility,” capital projects manager Darren Crundwell said in a media release.
“Once we have those details, we can investigate funding sources.”
