The City of Kelowna aims to bring a professional soccer team to the city by 2028. Mayor Tom Dyas and other officials, in collaboration with the Canadian Premier League (CPL), unveiled plans for the project. A key focus is securing an ownership group and investing up to $25 million to enhance the Apple Bowl stadium for CPL expansion.
Highlighting the positive impact of sporting events on Kelowna, Mayor Dyas emphasized the importance of upgrading the Apple Bowl to attract a CPL team by 2028. Proposed enhancements include a new grandstand with a seating capacity of 3,000, upgraded facilities, a scoreboard, broadcast center, and conversion to artificial turf.
Approval for the stadium upgrades will be sought in the upcoming city budget post the fall elections. Mayor Dyas, seeking reelection, faces challengers such as Emily Salsbury and Ron Cannan, a former MP and city councilor.
The CPL, established in 2019 as Canada’s premier men’s soccer league, aims to expand the sport domestically. Emphasizing the significance of having an ownership group, CPL executive vice-president Marni Dicker expressed enthusiasm for Kelowna’s progress towards hosting a team. She welcomed potential investors to engage in the opportunity to make Kelowna a CPL home.