Kamloops – Canada’s Tournament Capital
Kamloops has built a reputation for sports infrastructure that supports athletes at every level. Known across Canada as the Tournament Capital, the city has developed a wide range of facilities that host local leagues, national championships, and international events. With more than $50 million invested in creating and maintaining these venues, Kamloops ensures they meet the needs of both competitive athletes and recreational users.
The sections below provide a detailed overview of the major complexes, aquatic centres, arenas, and specialized spaces that contribute to Kamloops' leadership in Canadian sports.
Major Multi-Sport Complexes
Tournament Capital Centre (TCC)
The Tournament Capital Centre serves as a central hub for training and competition. It features a 200-metre indoor track, a 15,000-square-foot gymnastics centre, and three hardwood courts used for basketball, volleyball, and badminton. Athletes benefit from an 8,000-square-foot fitness centre and conditioning areas that support their preparation and recovery. The facility also includes 3,000 square feet of meeting space, which accommodates team planning and community events.
The TCC supports local clubs and school programs and frequently hosts regional and national tournaments. Its proximity to Thompson Rivers University enhances its value by offering training space for university teams.
McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre
McArthur Island includes an NHL-sized arena with 1,200 seats and an Olympic-sized rink that can accommodate 800 spectators. The complex also features a dedicated curling rink and several meeting rooms, including a licensed lounge with seating for 250 people.
The centre hosts minor hockey, figure skating, adult leagues, and recreational curling, playing a key role in the community by supporting a wide range of events and tournaments throughout the year.
Aquatic Centres and Pools
Canada Games Aquatic Centre
The Canada Games Aquatic Centre offers a 50-metre Olympic-sized pool alongside a leisure pool equipped with water slides. Additional amenities include hot tubs, a sauna, and diving boards with platforms of varying heights. Spectator seating allows the facility to host swim meets and diving competitions.
The centre provides swim lessons, aquatic fitness classes, and space for competitive training, serving both recreational swimmers and high-performance athletes.
Westsyde Pool & Fitness Centre
The Westsyde Pool & Fitness Centre features a 25-metre pool, a fully equipped fitness centre, and multipurpose rooms for classes and community programs.
As a primary recreational space for Westsyde residents, the facility supports swim training, family swim sessions, and various fitness classes.
Ice Arenas and Hockey Facilities
Sandman Centre
The Sandman Centre, with a seating capacity of 5,464, serves as the home of the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League. The arena hosts hockey games, concerts, and a variety of large-scale events that attract both residents and visitors.
Its central location and versatile design make it the city’s main venue for significant indoor events.
Memorial Arena
Built in 1948, Memorial Arena has long supported hockey and skating activities in Kamloops. It features a standard ice rink with spectator seating.
The arena continues to play an important role in the city's sports landscape, serving minor hockey teams, figure skating clubs, and public skating sessions.
Upcoming Arena Multiplex
Plans are underway for a new arena multiplex that will include up to four additional rinks. This development aims to meet the growing demand for ice sports facilities.
The expansion will provide more scheduling flexibility for local teams and attract additional tournaments to Kamloops.
Outdoor Fields and Stadiums
Hillside Stadium
Hillside Stadium includes an artificial turf field, a 400-metre track, and seating for spectators. The venue hosts football, soccer, and track and field events.
It is used extensively by school programs, local sports leagues, and competitive events, making it a key outdoor sports facility.
Norbrock Stadium
Norbrock Stadium features a professional-sized baseball field with seating for approximately 1,500 spectators. The stadium supports baseball and softball leagues and serves as the home of the Kamloops NorthPaws baseball team.
It also hosts regional and national baseball tournaments, drawing teams and fans from across the country.
Tournament Capital Ranch
Tournament Capital Ranch includes multiple baseball and softball diamonds designed to accommodate large-scale tournaments.
The facility regularly attracts teams from across the province and beyond for competitive play throughout the season.
Specialized Sports Facilities
Kamloops Curling Club
The Kamloops Curling Club offers multiple sheets of ice dedicated to curling. It provides league play, bonspiels, and learn-to-curl programs for beginners.
The club serves as a focal point for the local curling community and frequently hosts competitive events.
Kamloops Tennis Centre
The Kamloops Tennis Centre provides both indoor and outdoor courts, allowing for year-round play. The centre offers lessons, leagues, and tournaments catering to players of all ages and skill levels.
Its programs support the growth of tennis in Kamloops and serve both recreational and competitive players.
Kamloops Bike Ranch
The Kamloops Bike Ranch is one of Canada’s largest municipal bike parks. It features trails, jumps, and technical sections designed for a range of skill levels.
The park functions as a training ground for local mountain bikers and regularly hosts competitive biking events.
Community Parks and Recreational Spaces
Kenna Cartwright Park
Kenna Cartwright Park spans more than 1,976 acres, making it the largest municipal park in British Columbia. It offers over 40 kilometres of trails used for hiking, mountain biking, and nature observation.
The park provides a valuable recreational space for residents and visitors seeking outdoor activities.
Riverside Park
Riverside Park features green spaces, playgrounds, and direct access to the Thompson River. It is a popular location for community events, concerts, and family gatherings.
The park’s riverside trail is frequently used by walkers and cyclists seeking an accessible outdoor route.
Accessibility and Inclusive Programs
Kamloops offers adaptive sports programs such as sledge hockey, wheelchair basketball, and adaptive swimming. Facilities across the city feature accessible entrances, seating, and amenities.
This commitment ensures that athletes of all abilities can participate fully in sports and recreational activities.
Economic and Cultural Impact
Hosting national and international tournaments brings significant economic benefits to local businesses. Hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments experience increased activity during major sporting events.
In addition, sports facilities act as community hubs where residents connect, engage in healthy activities, and support local teams.
Future Developments
The Build Kamloops Initiative includes plans for expanding recreational infrastructure, including the proposed Dufferin Multiplex, which will add new ice rinks and fitness amenities. The city is also working towards sustainability goals by incorporating eco-friendly designs into new and existing facilities.
These efforts aim to meet the growing needs of the community while promoting environmental responsibility.
Conclusion
Kamloops has established a comprehensive network of sports facilities that support a wide range of activities. With multi-sport complexes and specialized venues with accessible programs, the city continues to invest in infrastructure that benefits athletes, families, and visitors alike.