DARTMOUTH, NS – Schooners Sports and Entertainment (SSE) has announced that they have partnered with Sport Nova Scotia on a plan to create a year-round, multi-use sports venue that will be open to the broader public for amateur and recreational sport, and serve as the home for the proposed Atlantic Canadian CFL team.

SSE also announced that it has signed a letter of intent with Canada Lands Company outlining the parameters of a potential deal that would see the community sports and entertainment hub integrated into Shannon Park.

Some key Sport Nova Scotia member organizations currently plan to use the proposed facility, which will be open for their use over 300 days per year. This includes significant after-school and weekend use from local and recreational athletics and sport amateur clubs and organizations. The facility will also be made available to local schools and community groups for daytime weekday use.

The planned facility will have the capability to attract and host premiere amateur and professional sporting events of all sizes and levels, including high school and provincial championships and major national and international events.

‘’At Sport Nova Scotia, we believe accessibility and inclusion can maximize the positive social impact of sport,” said Jamie Ferguson of Sport Nova Scotia. ‘’This partnership is about building a future for sport participation and community celebration for generations of young Nova Scotians.’’

Sport Nova Scotia represents amateur sport organizations throughout Nova Scotia. The planned facility will provide these groups a first-class place to train and compete, and a place for the Atlantic Canadian community to congregate and enjoy premiere sporting and entertainment events.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Sport Nova Scotia on this plan to bring a publicly accessible, community sports and entertainment hub to Atlantic Canada – right here at Shannon Park,” said Anthony Leblanc, founding partner of Schooners Sports and Entertainment. “We all know the positive social outcomes that communities benefit from when youth are engaged in organized play and sport. This facility, and the free access to it that local amateur and recreational sport organizations will enjoy, helps promote these positive outcomes. Of course, we are also thrilled that the Schooners will call the facility home as well.”

“I look forward to the day when our fantastic game can be played and experienced by fans in a beautiful space that serves the people of Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada well,” said Randy Ambrosie, CFL Commissioner. “As I’ve said, expansion only works if it serves not just the CFL, but the local community. Having a world-class facility for CFL game day is important, but it’s even more crucial to have an open, accessible space to serve the community where they can grow, watch and play sports.”