Red River Exhibition Association hoping to revitalize John Blumberg Sports Complex

Once considered “one of the best softball facilities in North America” — the John Blumberg Sports Complex has sat vacant after the city of Winnipeg deemed the facility in need of over $3 million worth of upgrades.

But that may be set to change, as the Red River Exhibition Association is in talks to breathe fresh life into the three-decade-old facility.

If the exbition’s CEO, Garth Rogerson has his way, come next summer the complex’s numerous diamonds will have players roaming the outfields and not Canadian Geese.

“Yes it needs renovations to the facility to improve and upgrade but there is no reason we can’t be playing ball here or soccer or other sports beginning next summer,” said Rogerson.

If city council approves the group’s lease offer, Rogerson says the proposed facelift wouldn’t be limited to just the sports facility, with additional plans to redevelop the riverbank, add a dog park, and create walking trails.

“The river bank property can be redeveloped and made accessible to the community with walking paths and dog parks and pickleball courts. So really with a property of this size, it is really unlimited, we are only limited by our imagination.”

Rogerson says they have already heard from plenty of leagues interested in calling the complex home for next summer and are now just waiting for the City’s green light. 

“We are committed to getting this facility up and running as soon as we get word from the city if we get the word tomorrow we are in next week renovating so it’s a waiting game with the city and their decision.”

The City did confirm Monday that they are reviewing a lease offer for the complex, and are awaiting a report from the Standing Policy of Committee on Property and Development before making a final decision. The report is expected in early 2025.