Huskies Stadium: an eye sore and object of pride

SMU students divided as to whether replacement needed for aging stadium

Loyola Residence rising over the rusty overhang of Huskies Stadium. Photo: Matthew Healy

Saint Mary's University has fielded many successful sports teams. But the 41-year-old facility where students practice and play is showing its age.

Rusty beams, chipped paint, crumbling concrete stands, splintering wooden bleachers and a rickety steel overhang that precariously looms over the crowd are but a few of the problems at the home of the Huskies faithful.

Saint Mary's University students not on the same page about existing stadium

Mandy Avery, a fourth-year arts student at Saint Mary's, plays for the women's field hockey team. She believes a new stadium would be an overall "positive thing." After shooting a couple of practice shots into the net on the field Avery looked over at the stands and said, "I think all of the varsity athletes deserve a lot better."

The football team was on the field as well, for a meet-and-greet type of event. Most of the players agreed that getting rid of Huskies Stadium as it is now would take away from the present atmosphere. This is not something they wish to compromise. The players don't deny that a new, shiny stadium would be nice, but it's not worth risking a change in the mood of their fan base, they said.

Daniel Latham, an anthropology student at Saint Mary's, believes that the stadium is in good condition aside from the cracks in the concrete stands. "Considering its age, it seems to have held up pretty well," he said.

Shawn O'Donnell, a third-year arts student at SMU, plays for the men's ice hockey team. He knows all about playing in an old facility and hearing about the need for a new one. "The field itself and track are fine, but the stands could use some work," O'Donnell said.

Sean Fraser, a third-year business student at SMU, believes the decaying old facility is holding back the university and ultimately the city. He said because the seating area is in such bad repair, it discourages big sporting events such as the Uteck Bowl from being staged in the capital city. Fraser said the more capable facility in Moncton is going to make it difficult for Huskies Stadium to draw big-ticket gigs like it once did.

Fraser said the city needs a facility to match its citizens' interest in sports. Halifax needs a proper stadium, Fraser suggested and he reiterated, "All we have is a field".

Fraser also said a lack of school spirit isn't an issue on the SMU campus and a better stadium would only augment the current collegiate pride.

When asked if he had any concern over how much it would cost to repair or rebuild Huskies Stadium, Fraser said he's not worried. "If we have a nice stadium it will fund itself," he asserted.

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