The organizers of the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto announced today that the Ivor Wynne Stadium plan submitted by the City of Hamilton has received a positive evaluation with respect to the Games' criteria. This news means a new stadium will be built for the Pan Am Games and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Hamilton.

Below is a statement released today from TO2015 CEO, Ian Troop:

"The TO2015 Board of Directors has reviewed the City of Hamilton's plan for a soccer venue which was submitted on February 1, 2011. This plan has received a positive evaluation with respect to our Games' criteria.

The criteria included: confirmation of site suitability, funding commitment, FIFA-compliancy requirements, delivery timetable and most importantly, a sustainable sport legacy component. The refurbished Hamilton stadium supports the TO2015 vision of infrastructure legacy that promotes healthy, active communities and high performance amateur athletic development.

The legacy program of this stadium was an important consideration for TO2015 - from a national, provincial and local perspective. A stadium of this caliber is now a viable location to host national and international competitions. The provincial soccer association will be able to locate Regional and/or Provincial Training Centres at this facility and build capacity in delivering their player development programs. Locally, youth soccer stakeholders will be able to access a world-class facility at affordable rates in order to increase participation in the sport by players, coaches and officials.

TO2015 is looking forward to working closely with the City of Hamilton and its community partners to help ensure the soccer facility is delivered on time, on budget and on scope."