We chat with HFX Wanderers founder and president Derek Martin to find out more about his recent pitch to Halifax Regional Municipality’s community planning and economic development committee of a bid to move forward on a $40-million permanent stadium project at the Wanderers Grounds – Sep 15, 2023Nearly five years since Halifax’s professional soccer team first took the pitch, there’s little doubt that the city is quickly becoming a soccer capital.
“It’s really a great chance to reflect on everything that’s gone into this project to date and show some appreciation for not only the people behind the scenes that have helped make it happen but the fans that have supported us through thick and thin,” Martin said.Since their inaugural season in 2019, the Wanderers have continuously topped the league’s attendance charts and built a formidable reputation as a team with some of the most devoted supporters in the Canadian topflight.
Martin added that his hopes for a stadium expansion will be to see it serve the greater community and allow for other major sporting events in Halifax.Halifax defender Riley Ferrazzo salutes a group of supporters in “The Kitchen” section of Wanderers Grounds. .“We’ve announced the Canadian women’s national team is coming at the end of the month… those tickets haven’t even gone on sale to the public yet and I believe we’re sold out through presale opportunities.
Martin said that “without a doubt” some players on the Wanderer’s current roster are “certainly going to earn themselves a greater opportunity to continue their careers at higher levels.”The closest the Wanderers have come to a trophy was during the 2020 season, which was modified due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. They reached the finals of The Island Games and fell 2-0 to Forge.