Pacific FC wants to be the hub host with the most at Starlight Stadium in Langford.
The Canadian Premier League plans to conduct a hybrid pro soccer season in 2021. It would begin in mid-June or early July with all eight teams playing in a made-for-TV event at a to-be-determined single site with no fans. As the pandemic recedes, the league hopes to conclude the full 28-game-per team season in the fall with clubs playing in their home stadiums with fans in attendance.
“We have our hat in the ring to host the hub,” said Pacific FC’s CEO, GM and co-owner Rob Friend.
“We know there will be multiple bids. But we’re in a good position on the Island and are in discussions with Island Health and B.C. Ministry of Health. It would help revitalize certain segments of the Island economy for four-plus weeks.”
The 2020 CPL season was conducted in a bubble in Charlottetown, P.E.I. without a positive test for COVID-19.
“Our league has proven it can do this extremely safely and I am confident it would be no different this year,” said Friend.
Friend said he expects a decision within 10 days.
“We are working non-stop with several locations creating options to begin our season,” said CPL commissioner David Clanachan, in a statement.
“We are dedicated to making each match a first-class viewing experience.”
The pandemic is still in charge as summer sports look to open. But its grip is weakening.
“We remain adaptable to change,” said Clanachan.
“Including matches in our home markets [in the fall] potentially with our supporters and fans cheering on their clubs.”
Friend is optimistic that can happen.
“There is light at the end of the tunnel. Based on trends, I am hoping for fans by the end of the summer,” said the former Bundesliga pro, who was capped 32 times for Canada.
“People need it. They need live events. It would be good for everybody’s spirits.”
PFC is practising in Langford and is among four CPL teams conducting training camps, as allowed by their provincial health guidelines. The others are FC Edmonton, Cavalry FC of Calgary and HFX Wanderers of Halifax, although the latter have scaled back a bit due to new restrictions in Nova Scotia. Atletico Ottawa, meanwhile, is training in Madrid at the facilities of its famous parent club. Valour FC of Winnipeg will open camp next week. There is no word on when Ontario clubs York United of Toronto and Forge FC of Hamilton, currently under tighter restrictions, can begin camps.
cdheensaw@timescolonist.com