Whitecaps owners say they're in talks to build new stadium on PNE fairgrounds
Currently, the MLS team does not own its own venue
The owners of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC say they are in discussions with the City of Vancouver about the possibility of building a soccer stadium on city property at the PNE fairgrounds.
A statement from the owners — Greg Kerfoot, Steve Luczo, Jeff Mallett and Steve Nash — says building such a stadium would help with their business.
"The club's ownership has always been clear on their goal of constructing a purpose-built stadium and the importance of a suitable venue to both fan experience and financial performance for any professional sports franchise," the statement reads.
The Whitecaps owners do not currently own their own facility, unlike the owner of the Vancouver Canucks, Aquilini Investment Group, which owns Rogers Arena where the hockey team plays.
Most recently, the Whitecaps have been playing at B.C. Place Stadium, but the team has played at various sites over the years.
When the team debuted in Major League Soccer in 2011, it was at the Empire Field — located in Hastings Park, next to Playland and the PNE — on the site of the old Empire Stadium. The venue has since been replaced by turf soccer fields.
So far, there's no word on a more precise location for the potential new build, other than the "PNE fairgrounds site," as described by the owners.
In December, the owners announced they were preparing to sell the club, and that they had hired Goldman Sachs to help sell the team and guide the transition.
CBC News has reached out to the City of Vancouver, but did not hear back before publication.