2017
This fall, Seneca became the first college in the Greater Toronto Area to have a sports dome. The new state-of-the-art facility is nicknamed “the StingDome” and consists of a multi-purpose artificial turf field and a seasonal dome at Newnham Campus.
The project was made possible by funding from the Student Athletic Association and the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. An official opening was held in September 2017.
“Our varsity athletes and coaches have been holding their breath to get on the field since construction began in the spring,” says Linda Stapleton, Director, Sport and Recreation. “We have been looking forward to having this unique facility as we take health, fitness and recreation seriously. We understand how important it is that people have access to a great recreational facility like this.”
With this new facility up and running, for the first time in Seneca’s history, the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) indoor and outdoor soccer championships will be held at Newnham Campus next year. While Seneca’s varsity soccer teams have been very successful, tournaments have had to be played on artificial turf fields elsewhere, due to natural grass deterioration that occurs in the fall. In 2009, Seneca won the National Men’s Soccer Championships. It was hosted by Seneca, but played at Esther Shiner Stadium.
The dome will be removed during the summers and erected each November through March. It will more than triple the number of available hours year-round for recreation and varsity programs for students and community members.
There will also be more options for activities such as rugby, lacrosse and cricket. As well, a training field for baseball will be created by adapting the existing softball diamond into a dual sport option utilizing a portable pitcher’s mound.
The dome will also open doors to new opportunities throughout the winter, with activities such as boot-camp style training, ultimate Frisbee, Frisbee golf or even mini putt.
“We are only limited by our imagination,” Linda says.