Soccer dome scores profit

Photo: Contributed - Kelowna United

Kelowna could easily sustain a second indoor soccer facility.

That on the heels of the overwhelming success of Kelowna United's indoor soccer dome situated behind the CNC in the Mission.

Officials with Kelowna United were before council Monday to provide an update on the success of the facility which opened in the fall of 2013.

"We feel current demand would support a new facility right now," says Kelowna United representative Surinder Gosal in response to a question from Councillor, Gerry Zimmermann.

"Current demand is there for a facility of this type and larger now. We have just had that much interest."

The privately run indoor facility, which features a state-of-the-art Astro Turf,  cost Kelowna United about $1M. It goes up in the fall each year and comes down at the end of April.

According to club president, Mark Krehel, revenues the first year far surpassed original projections.

"We were hoping for $60,000 in revenue and 10 user groups. By the end of the year in mid April we had over 22 user groups and over $140,000 in revenue.," says Krehel.

"This upcoming winter schedule is fully allocated. Unfortunately we are having to turn people away. We've even had groups that like it enough they are coming to us and wanting to give a deposit hoping they can get a three year contract."

Krehel says the second year will be extremely profitable.

He adds the facility is being used by more than just soccer groups.

Rugby, lacrosse, touch football and fitness programs are being run out of the facility.