SASKATOON – Blackstrap Member of Parliament Lynne Yelich presided over the official opening of the newly expanded Prairieland Park complex on Friday, March 23. The multi-purpose sports, convention and recreation complex received $4 million dollars under the federal government’s Centennial fund. The fund was created under the Canada Celebrates Saskatchewan initiative to recognize the province’s centennial and award worthy heritage projects like the expansion and enhancement of the Prairieland complex.

"Saskatoon and the surrounding area will be able to take advantage of the facility’s increased capacity, accessing a wider range and broader scope of events," said Yelich at the event. "The expansion will allow the city of Saskatoon and the surrounding rural communities to showcase the best of their sports, agriculture, commerce, and arts culture."

Yelich reflected upon also attending Prairieland’s Annual Corporate Reception in 2005 where Prairieland made known its future strategic plans, "Prairieland’s history is unique and its vision was to grow this facility into one of the most outstanding exhibition and trade show centres in our country. Prairieland’s vision and diligence have matched the need in our community for a world class centre." Prairieland Park is up and running 285 days per year, attracting 1.6 million people annually to various programs, conventions, and events. The estimated annual economic impact is more than $100 million.