$10M upgrade proposed for Saskatoon football stadium

Saskatoon's Gordie Howe Bowl, home to local football since 1960, could be looking at a $10-million facelift.

A proposed makeover includes artificial turf to replace the existing natural grass, a score clock, a sound system and field lighting.

The city almost closed the stadium, formallyknown as the Gordon Howe Bowl,in 2006 due to its condition. Without it, the Saskatoon Hilltops and many high school teams would have to look elsewhere to play.

Originally, proponents were looking at a $30-million upgrade, but that plan never went ahead.

Now, the city wants to create a foundation to raise money fora scaled-downproject. According to a report going to city council, it might kick in $600,000 out of 2013 budget funds.

The city also plans to spend $45,000 this year to hire an administrator to establish the Gordon Howe Bowl Foundation.

The plans will be discussed today at a meeting of the executive committee, which is made up of members of city council.