Portage Regional Fieldhouse - FAQ

A fieldhouse is an indoor recreation facility that includes a turf field to accommodate field sports (such as soccer, baseball, football, rugby, disc golf, lacrosse, etc.).

The fieldhouse will be located just South of Central Plains RecPlex (Southport), with an adjoining hallway to the RecPlex.

Recreation doesn't stop at city boundaries, and access shouldn't either. Southport Aerospace Centre Inc. sits within the RM, just 5km south of the City of Portage la Prairie. It's central, accessible, and positioned to serve the entire region.

Southport has experience operating and managing recreational facilities. Adding a fieldhouse to existing recreation spaces creates something bigger than a single building: it creates a hub. A multi-use, multi-generational centre for activity and connection.

We are working to link Southport as a venue for all current and upcoming public transportation plans in the region.

In Manitoba, our long winters naturally support indoor sports like hockey and basketball, while field sports such as soccer, football, and baseball are limited to a short outdoor season. At the same time, interest and participation in these field sports continues to grow.

Across the province, communities are responding by building indoor turf facilities (fieldhouses) to provide year-round access to training, recreation, and competition space. However, the majority of these facilities are located in Winnipeg, leaving much of rural Manitoba without similar opportunities.

This presents a clear opportunity. By developing a fieldhouse here, we can create a year-round sports and recreation facility that currently does not exist within an 80 km radius — expanding access, supporting local athletes, and strengthening our regional community.

Not at this time. The priority right now is to build a facility that does not yet exist in our region. The RecPlex gymnasium is nearing maximum booking capacity, and adding indoor turf will alleviate booking pressure in the gymnasium — opening more court space in that facility.

No. All user groups and community members will have equitable access to the facility. This fieldhouse is intended to benefit the health and wellbeing of all residents in our region.

Current conceptual designs of the fieldhouse include a turf (field) of approximately 21,500 sq feet. To accommodate a 7 v 7 soccer game, or two 5 v 5 games. These current measurements set this facility to be the largest indoor fieldhouse in the province, outside of Winnipeg.

Supporting spaces such as washrooms, changerooms, supply rooms, multipurpose room, etc. estimated at 11,000 sq ft.

Total sq ft: 32,500 sq feet.

The fieldhouse can accommodate field sport tournaments, games, and practices, land training, exercise clubs and camps, youth programs, walking clubs, and even hard floor banquets and conferences with a temporary hard floor system.

The fieldhouse is anticipated to be constructed and open within three years (Spring 2029).

Rental rates will be based on market value in the surrounding area. The facility will have prime and non-prime hours with rates set accordingly. Additionally, the facility will offer full field or half field rates.

The facility will be open 7 days a week, all year round. Hours are expected to match the Central Plains RecPlex (8:00 am - 10:00 pm), although subject to change based on community need.

Yes. A new parking lot is planned to support patrons of the new fieldhouse facility.

Ground level (tiered bleacher style) seating for approximately 100-150 spectators is planned.

Based on the initial conceptual design phase, $20M has been budgeted for the construction of the Portage Regional Fieldhouse.

The City of Portage la Prairie, RM of Portage la Prairie, and Southport Aerospace Centre Inc. are considering equal contributions of $5M, as well as $5M confirmed from the Province of Manitoba (GRO Program).

Yes! We encourage all exterior contributions to ensure that this facility is as functional and impactful as possible.