It was built on land deeded to the city for the purpose of constructing public sports fields by the federal government (Prime Minister Mackenzie King was a personal friend of Clarke).

The original Clarke Stadium accommodated approximately 20,000 fans in the spartan conditions consistent with its era.

The facility was almost completely demolished on June 1, 2000, and rebuilt as a 'secondary' stadium for events of the 2001 World Championships in Athletics hosted in Edmonton.

The original grass playing surface was also replaced with artificial turf to allow for greater usage as part of the facility upgrade.

FC Edmonton began playing their North American Soccer League home games at Clarke Stadium with the 2012 season.