The City of Kelowna is aiming to attract a professional soccer team to the area by the year 2028. Mayor Tom Dyas and other city officials, in collaboration with representatives from the Canadian Premier League (CPL), unveiled plans for the initiative. Key components include securing an ownership group and investing up to $25 million to enhance the Apple Bowl, Kelowna’s primary multi-sport stadium, to meet CPL standards.
Mayor Dyas highlighted the positive impact of hosting major events like B.C. Lions football games and the Canadian Hockey League’s Memorial Cup on Kelowna. The proposed upgrades to the Apple Bowl comprise a new 3,000-seat grandstand, enhanced facilities such as locker rooms and a broadcast center, a new scoreboard, and the conversion to artificial turf.
Funding for the stadium improvements will be subject to approval in the upcoming city budget post this fall’s election. Mayor Dyas, seeking re-election, faces competition from contenders including Emily Salsbury and Ron Cannan, a former MP and current city council member.
The Canadian Premier League, established in 2019, serves as Canada’s top-tier domestic men’s soccer league, while MLS, featuring teams like the Vancouver Whitecaps, operates within the U.S. soccer system.
CPL Executive Vice President Marni Dicker expressed satisfaction with Kelowna’s progress towards hosting a CPL team, emphasizing the significance of securing an ownership group. Dicker stated, “Today’s announcement aligns with our mutual goal to position Kelowna as a potential CPL host city. We eagerly anticipate engaging with interested ownership groups to explore this opportunity further.”
