A new artificial infield turf has been installed on the Very Important Volunteer Field at Queen Elizabeth Park in Summerside, P.E.I. VIV Field is hosting games in the 2026 Canada Cup, Baseball Canada’s 17U national championship tournament. Play began on Aug. 5 and runs until Aug. 9. Photo by Jason Simmonds /The GuardianArticle contentFans attending the 2026 Canada Cup in Summerside, P.E.I., will notice some considerable changes at Queen Elizabeth Park.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“We are just completing Phase 1 of the renovation of the complex,” said Canada Cup chairman Tanner Doiron in an interview at the host site for the Baseball Canada 17U national championship tournament, which began Aug. 5 and runs until Aug. 9.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentBoth fields hosting Canada Cup games have undergone major work. A grass infield with Washington Ball Mix – the dirt surface – has been installed on Legends Field. A new warning track, new protective topping on the fencing, a new portable pitching mound and a full irrigation system have also been added. As well, the grandstands have been freshly painted.Article content“It was quite a big project over there,” said Doiron. “The (Charlottetown) Senior Islanders played on it July 31 and loved it.”Article contentVIV FieldArticle contentOn the Very Important Volunteer Field, located right next to Legends Field, a new artificial infield turf has been installed along with a portable pitching mound. All new fencing and backstop, new player dugouts and a portable press box were part of the work.Article content“The VIV (Field) obviously looks a lot different,” said Doiron. “We kind of pulled it back and twisted it a bit to the left, moving a couple of light fixtures; moving the scoreboard back to get to the proper (dimensions) for the Canada Cup.”Article contentArticle contentPortable bleachers have been added to each side of the field. The two sections of the old grandstand above each dugout have been preserved and placed in the outfield of the VIV Field.Article contentArticle content“We brought 250-seater metal bleachers in, and we are placing a lot of smaller sets around the infield,” said Doiron. “I still think we will be able to have seating for everybody.Article content“Obviously, it’s not what we’re used to but it’s kind of short-term pain for long-term gain when it’s all said and done.”Article contentDoiron said it is hoped a new permanent grandstand, press box, canteen and washrooms for the VIV Field will be Phase 2 of the renovation project.Article contentThe entrance to the facility has not changed and fans attending the Canada Cup will continue to enter through the tunnel entrance between the Gordie Arsenault Field and Legends Field.Article content Legends Field at Queen Elizabeth Park in Summerside, P.E.I., now features a grass infield. Legends Field is the site of games in the 2026 Canada Cup, Baseball Canada’s 17U national championship tournament, which runs from Aug. 5 to 9. Photo by Jason Simmonds /The GuardianArticle contentBusy monthArticle contentThe 10-team Canada Cup is the first of two Baseball Canada national championships to be hosted in Summerside in August. The Ray Carter Cup 15U tournament, which also took place at Queen Elizabeth Park last year, will be held from Aug. 20 to 23.
New infield surfaces highlight Phase 1 of Queen Elizabeth Park renovations in Summerside
