Game Changer: The Economic and Social Impact of Upgrading a…

Game Changer: The Economic and Social Impact of Upgrading a…

The Economic & Social Impact of Upgrading & Expanding the Gordie Howe Sports Complex GAME CHANGER

The New York Times named Saskatoon one of the best places in the world to VISIT .

When complete, the Gordie Howe

Sports Complex will be one of the best places in the world to PLAY .

“Many consider Dad the greatest hockey player ever, but greatness was never defined by goals in our house. Greatness meant being the best person you could be, not the best player. That’s what really excites us about the new Gordie Howe Sports Complex. It won’t just create better athletes — it will create better people.”

The Gordie Howe Family

For over 60 years, athletes of all ages and abilities

Inspired by our athletes, whose will to be better pushes them further, we are now aiming higher to:

 Complete the transformation of Saskatoon’s home of sport into a world-class athletics park accessible year-round to everyone in our growing community. Build Western Canada’s top destination for provincial, national and international competitions. Generate millions of dollars a year in jobs and visitor spending — and millions more in federal, provincial and municipal tax revenue. Change lives and perhaps even save some by giving more people a chance to participate in sport — to grow, to belong, to discover what they’re capable of.

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have developed their skills and, more importantly, their character in the park now known as the Gordie Howe Sports Complex. Our community has proven what we can achieve together. Rallying together we transformed Saskatoon’s ‘mud bowl’ into the most desirable sports field in our city. With improved safety and 10x more playing time, Saskatoon Minor Football Field, Canada’s largest artificial turf field, now benefits 4x more athletes (over 6,000!), younger players and more sports groups each year.

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With your help to make it happen, the fully realized Gordie Howe Sports Complex will be a game changer.

Greg Yuel Campaign Chair

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Sports is the fastest growing tourism segment in Canada, worth annually. $6.5 BILLION

Photo s : Louis Christ

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The economic impact of the Gordie Howe Sports Complex is already significant. Look at the millions of tourism dollars events here pump into Saskatoon and Saskatchewan — not to mention all that tax revenue for federal, provincial and municipal government priorities such as roads, schools and health care. Here are just a handful of the more than 125,000 events held here in the last five years!

2019 Men’s Softball Championships $5,708,786 total economic activity in Canada

$4,400,755 in Saskatchewan $3,819,139 in Saskatoon $811,699 in federal, provincial and municipal tax revenue $1,178,718 in wages 24.7 JOBS

2018 Canadian Women’s Fast Pitch Championship

$1,047,984 total economic activity in Canada $839,490 in Saskatchewan $737,286 in Saskatoon $156,285 in federal, provincial and municipal tax revenue $216,998 in wages 8 JOBS

Created by the Conference Board of Canada and endorsed by SREDA, the Sports Tourism Economic Assessment Model used to generate these figures illustrates the major impact expenditures by athletes, media and spectators here for events at the Gordie Howe Sports Complex have had on Saskatoon’s economy.

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2015 ISF Men’s World Softball Championships $6,514,631 total economic activity in Canada $3,144,541 in Saskatchewan $3,144,541 in Saskatoon $1,173,744 in federal, provincial and municipal tax revenue $1,799,336 in wages 39.8 JOBS By upgrading existing facilities to international standards and adding several new venues, the economic impact will GROW!

2017 Canadian Men’s Fast Pitch Championship

$3,083,438 total economic activity in Canada

$1,464,117 in Saskatchewan $1,464,117 in Saskatoon $589,126 in federal, provincial and municipal tax revenue $833,961 in wages 20.6 JOBS

2016 U14 Boys Softball Championship $2,641,445 total economic activity in Canada

$1,229,978 in Saskatchewan $1,229,978 in Saskatoon $529,758 in federal, provincial and municipal tax revenue $727,016 in wages 17.6 JOBS

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The new Gordie Howe Sports Complex will draw over 175,000 visitors Some of the loudest cheers will come from all the hotels, restaurants, and stores welcoming them! every year.

Photo s : Tourism Saskatoon

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But your ROI will be far greater than financial.

Photo: Louis Christ

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The new Gordie Howe Sports Complex will be a champion for reconciliation. In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada made 94 calls to action to address the harm caused by residential schools. Five of these calls centre on sport. As the Commission noted, collective efforts from ALL peoples are necessary to bring healing and understanding. By bringing Western Canada’s best sporting facilities together on the west side of our city, where many children and families would otherwise not have the means to participate in sports, and expanding programs for Indigenous youth, Gordie Howe Sports Complex is taking real action on reconciliation. We want to make the life-changing power of sport available to everyone.

“I can’t say enough how important these facilities are for youth, especially Indigenous youth, as they grow their skills on the field and their skills for life. I spent most of my youth in Saskatoon and as I entered high school, I had to supplement my training outside the city due to lack of quality facilities. I amtruly amazed at the plans for theGordieHoweSports Complex. It is a game changer for Saskatoon youth to help them achieve their dreams.” Christian Kowalchuk University of Arkansas Razorback Baseball Pitcher First Saskatchewan Player to Compete at the NCAA College World Series

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“As an Indigenous organization, we can say, without hesitation, that the new track’s location will help improve participation rates, leading to an overall increase in holistic health indicators such as educational opportunities, youth mentorship and positive mental health and wellness.” Derek Rope Board Chair Saskatchewan Aboriginal Track and Field

“This world-class nine-sport complex will bring high-level events to Saskatoon like never before, greatly benefitting the economy and profile of our city. At the same time, it will be accessible to people of all ages, abilities and financial means — a hub for health and social wellbeing… a place to play and grow!” Judy Warick Coach, Official, Athlete

“Many consider Dad the greatest hockey player ever, but greatness was never defined by goals in our house. Greatness meant being the best person you could be, not the best player. That’s what really excites us about the new Gordie Howe Sports Complex. It won’t just create better athletes — it will create better people.”

"The new track and field complex will reduce barriers to inclusion, increase participation and provide more young people in our community with the opportunity to connect with prospective mentors across our city, province and beyond."

Olivia Yuel Volunteer

The Gordie Howe Family

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“This project will literally change the face of Canadian recreation and athletics.” Mathieu Auffrey President, Playteck Enterprises

gordiehowesportscomplex.ca/donate