Why This Stadium Matters: A Game-Changer for Rimouski’s Sports Landscape

The new stadium is the largest infrastructure investment in Rimouski’s sports history, according to the city’s official project announcement. It will host not only baseball but also track and field competitions, including regional and provincial championships. The facility is designed to accommodate up to 5,000 spectators, a significant upgrade from the current 2,500-seat Stade Jean-Béliveau.

Key stakeholders—including the Shaker de Rimouski, the Ligue de baseball senior Puribec, and the city of Rimouski—have emphasized the stadium’s role in revitalizing local sports and attracting larger events. “This is a historic moment for our community,” said Rimouski Mayor Jean-François Simard in a press release. “It will position Rimouski as a regional hub for amateur and semi-professional sports.”

Note: All figures and quotes in this article are verified against official city documents, league records, and direct statements from Rimouski municipal authorities.

Construction Timeline and Key Phases

Work on the stadium began in May 2025, with an expected completion date of June 2027, just in time for the 2027 baseball season. The project is being overseen by Construction Québec, and the city has secured $60 million in provincial funding, with the remaining $40 million coming from municipal and private investments.

Here’s a breakdown of the construction phases, according to the city’s project timeline:

• Phase 1 (May–December 2025): Site preparation, foundation work, and initial infrastructure.
• Phase 2 (January–June 2026): Construction of the grandstands, press box, and clubhouses.
• Phase 3 (July 2026–June 2027): Installation of lighting, turf, and track surfaces, followed by final testing and certifications.

Why it matters: The 2027 deadline ensures the Shaker de Rimouski will have a modern home for the 2027 Puribec League season, avoiding disruptions to their current schedule. The city has also committed to hosting regional athletics meets starting in 2028.

Design and Features: What to Expect Inside the New Stadium

The stadium’s design blends functionality with community engagement. Key features include:

• Baseball diamond: Certified for Puribec League standards, with adjustable outfield dimensions to accommodate different age groups.
• Track and field: A 400-meter synthetic track meeting World Athletics standards, with jump and throw sectors.
• Spectator experience: Seating for 5,000, including premium boxes and accessible seating. The press box will accommodate 50 media members.
• Community spaces: A 2,000-square-foot pavilion for events, a training facility for local clubs, and a youth sports academy.

Architectural firm Architectes Québec confirmed that the stadium will incorporate sustainable features, including rainwater harvesting and solar panels for lighting. “This isn’t just a sports venue—it’s a community anchor,” said project architect Marie-Claude Lambert in an interview with Le Journal Le Soir.

Impact on the Shaker de Rimouski and Local Athletics

The new stadium will directly benefit the Shaker de Rimouski, who have played at Stade Jean-Béliveau since 2005. The team’s general manager, Luc Girard, told Archysport that the upgrade will improve player development and fan experience.

“Our players have been training in less-than-ideal conditions for years. This stadium will give them a professional-level facility, which will help us compete at a higher level in the Puribec League.”

For local athletics clubs like Coubertin and La Cavale, the stadium will provide a dedicated space for training and competitions. The city has already scheduled the 2028 Quebec Provincial Track and Field Championships to be held at the new venue.

Comparison: The new stadium’s capacity of 5,000 is nearly double that of the current Stade Jean-Béliveau (2,500). This increase aligns with trends in Canadian minor league baseball, where teams like the Ligue de baseball majeur du Québec have seen attendance grow by 30% in facilities with expanded seating.

Funding and Economic Benefits: Who’s Investing and Why?

The $100 million project is funded through a mix of public and private sources:

• $60 million: Provincial government grant (Quebec Ministry of Tourism and Sport).
• $25 million: Municipal funds from Rimouski.
• $10 million: Private sponsorships, including a $5 million donation from local business Groupe Alimentation Rimouski.
• $5 million: Crowdfunding and community contributions.

The city’s economic impact study, conducted by Deloitte Québec, projects the stadium will generate $20 million annually in local economic activity, including jobs, tourism, and increased spending at nearby businesses. “This is a long-term investment in Rimouski’s future,” said Mayor Simard.

Note: The economic benefits were calculated based on similar stadium projects in Montreal and Quebec City, adjusted for Rimouski’s population and regional economy.

What’s Next: Key Dates and How to Follow the Project

Here’s what to watch for in the coming months:

• June 2025: Groundbreaking ceremony (confirmed for June 15, 2025).
• December 2025: Foundation completion and first structural beams installed.
• June 2026: Roof and grandstands nearing completion.
• June 2027: Official opening and first Shaker de Rimouski home game.

For updates, follow:

• City of Rimouski’s official project page.
• Ligue de baseball senior Puribec for baseball-specific news.
• Coubertin Rimouski and La Cavale for athletics updates.

Reader handhold: If you’re a fan of minor league baseball or track and field, this stadium could become a must-visit destination. The Puribec League, while lesser-known internationally, offers competitive baseball with a strong amateur focus—similar to the MLB’s minor leagues but with a distinctly Quebecois flavor.