The plan to bring a professional soccer team to Kelowna by 2028 is underway, with the City of Kelowna aiming to upgrade the Apple Bowl stadium for Canadian Premier League (CPL) expansion. Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas and city officials, joined by CPL representatives, revealed key steps for the project, including securing an ownership group and investing up to $25 million in stadium enhancements.
Mayor Dyas highlighted the positive impact of hosting major events in Kelowna, such as B.C. Lions football games and the Canadian Hockey League’s Memorial Cup. The proposed upgrades to the Apple Bowl include a new grandstand seating 3,000, improved locker rooms, a scoreboard, a broadcast center, and conversion to artificial turf.
Funding for the stadium improvements will be subject to approval in the city’s upcoming budget, set after the fall election. Mayor Dyas, along with challengers Emily Salsbury and Ron Cannan, are in the running for the mayoral seat. The CPL, established in 2019 as Canada’s premier men’s soccer league, is positioned for growth, with Kelowna’s initiative aligning with the league’s expansion goals.
CPL’s Executive Vice President, Marni Dicker, expressed enthusiasm for Kelowna’s progress towards hosting a CPL team, emphasizing the importance of securing an ownership group for the venture. The upcoming years will see Kelowna working towards becoming a potential home for a CPL team, showcasing the city’s commitment to sports development.
