Social media was set ablaze on Wednesday when mock-ups of a refurbished Commonwealth Stadium began circulating online. The images depict expanded concourses, renovated washrooms and concession areas, and large windows surrounding the venue’s exterior in place of its existing green panels.
There’s only one problem: these proposed upgrades would cost a quarter of a billion dollars and there’s currently no plan in place for how to pay for them.
A spokesperson for the City of Edmonton indicated that sources of funding for the renovations will be explored with different levels of government and/or private funders as possible contributors. The design for the modernization would only be finalized once funding is approved.
The City of Edmonton has already approached the province about the need for upgrades at the facility but there have been no changes in recent months. Conversations continue with other partners, including the Edmonton Elks.
Though it appears the images went unnoticed on the city’s website until this week, they’ve actually been online since January. This isn’t a brand-new proposal, even if the public has only recently taken notice.
“As Commonwealth Stadium ages, the City recognizes the need for upgrades to align with modern event standards and enhance the overall spectator experience based on the Commonwealth Stadium Master Plan,” the spokesperson wrote to 3DownNation.
“An investment of $250 million in capital upgrades and improvements would allow the Stadium to better meet modern event production and sporting needs while enhancing the experience of spectators.”
Earlier this year, Commonwealth Stadium reopened for the season after receiving $2 million in upgrades, including renovated concourse washrooms, improved network connectivity for fans, new point-of-sale equipment, graphic upgrades to the west concessions area, new in-game production and visual asset capabilities, refinished cabinets in concourse suites, and in-suite food ordering.
These were the first enhancements to the facility since 2018 when luxury suites were renovated and signage was replaced. Other upgrades from previous years include the installation of a video ribbon board in 2016, new turf in 2015, a new jumbotron in 2014, and new seats and renovated locker rooms in 2013.
A $3.05 million refurbishment of Commonwealth Stadium was approved in December 2023 to perform required repairs and maintenance. Work on the upper seating bowl and rakers is set to begin this month, while repairs to the parking lot are expected to occur in the spring.
Edmonton considers Commonwealth Stadium’s location “ideal” given that it’s central, provides easy access to light-rail transit, and has almost 800 on-site parking spaces. The spokesperson also confirmed to 3DownNation that the City of Edmonton isn’t exploring the possibility of building a new stadium at this time.
Elks president Rick LeLacheur said late last year that Commonwealth Stadium would need “very high investment” if it were to continue to be used as a CFL facility. He indicated that, if the funds were available, he’d opt to build a new stadium instead of continuing to refurbish the old one, which opened in 1978.
Edmonton’s average attendance has fallen from 41,228 to 22,239 over the past 20 years. The team closed the upper bowl at Commonwealth Stadium this season, reducing seating from 56,302 to 31,000, which remains the league’s fourth-highest capacity.
The team’s current lease at Commonwealth Stadium runs through the 2027 season. The venue has also hosted several major outdoor concerts since the COVID-19 pandemic, including performances from Garth Brooks, Mötley Crüe, Luke Combs, Metallica, and Pink.
Below are the rest of the mock-ups found on the city’s website. All of the elements shown are subject to change.
