Kamloops, British Columbia, is known for its role in Canadian sports. This city has earned the title "Tournament Capital of Canada" by building a framework that supports year-round athletic events. This isn’t just a marketing label; it’s a practical reality created by thoughtful infrastructure, strategic planning, and a community-driven approach to sports development.
Facilities Built for Large-Scale Events
The facilities in Kamloops rank among the best in the country. The Tournament Capital Centre (TCC) is one of its flagship locations. It features the Canada Games Aquatic Centre, a large indoor fieldhouse, and Hillside Stadium. The Aquatic Centre hosts competitions with its Olympic-size pool and advanced timing systems. The fieldhouse accommodates track and field events, basketball, and volleyball tournaments. Hillside Stadium includes a full-sized artificial turf field and an eight-lane running track.
Another key venue is the Tournament Capital Ranch. This outdoor sports complex provides multiple fields for soccer, rugby, and baseball. It was designed to host simultaneous games during large tournaments, with facilities for spectators and athletes. The Sandman Centre, an arena that serves as the home of the Kamloops Blazers hockey team, is also pivotal. It has seating for over 5,000 fans, with additional features that make it suitable for concerts and national sports events.
These facilities attract organizers because they meet professional standards and support large audiences. Event planners can rely on these venues to handle everything from high school championships to international competitions.
A Location That Makes Sense for Events
Kamloops’ geography contributes to its appeal. The city is positioned near major highways and rail lines, making it accessible for participants from across Western Canada. This central location reduces travel time and costs for teams and spectators.
The climate is another asset. Kamloops experiences low rainfall and over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually. These conditions allow outdoor events to proceed with fewer weather-related delays. The dry, mild summers and relatively manageable winters create an extended season for sports like soccer, track and field, and softball. Event planners prioritize places where the climate supports predictable scheduling, which is why Kamloops remains a consistent option.
The Role of Community in Supporting Sports
Kamloops has a strong volunteer base that sustains its ability to host events. Sports organizations often rely on hundreds of local volunteers who assist with event logistics. These volunteers work as scorekeepers, referees, security personnel, and hospitality staff. Their commitment ensures events run smoothly.
Local sports clubs also play an important role. Organizations such as the Kamloops Track and Field Club and Kamloops Minor Hockey Association help develop young athletes. They partner with the city to organize tournaments, ensuring the schedule remains full year-round. The coordination between public and private entities strengthens Kamloops’ capacity to host multiple events at once.
This network of support is a major reason why sports events return to Kamloops. Visitors often remark on the seamless operations and hospitality, which encourages tournament organizers to rebook venues.
A Proven Record of Hosting Major Events
Kamloops has built a portfolio of high-profile tournaments. The 2010 World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships brought athletes from dozens of countries to compete. In 2023, the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, Canada’s premier women’s curling event, was held in the city. These events required significant logistical planning and infrastructure support.
Recurring events also help maintain Kamloops’ reputation. The Kamloops Crown of Curling, established in the 1970s, continues to attract top talent annually. High school sports championships, including provincial rugby and basketball finals, consistently select Kamloops as their venue. These events demonstrate that Kamloops is not a one-time option for tournaments but a long-term partner in Canadian sports.
Economic and Cultural Benefits from Sports Tourism
The influx of athletes and spectators boosts Kamloops’ local economy. Hotels fill up quickly during large events, and restaurants see increased business. Local transportation services, retail stores, and entertainment providers also benefit. City reports indicate that tournaments generate millions of dollars in revenue annually.
Sports events also encourage cultural activities. Festivals, parades, and community gatherings often coincide with tournaments, offering additional entertainment for visitors. These activities create opportunities for local businesses to showcase their products and services.
Sports tourism has long-term impacts as well. Athletes and their families frequently return for vacations after experiencing Kamloops during an event. This recurring tourism strengthens the city’s economy year after year.
Looking Forward: Future Events and Developments
Kamloops continues to invest in its sports infrastructure. Facility upgrades are regularly announced to ensure venues meet evolving standards. The city has plans to expand its field capacity and improve spectator amenities at key locations. These investments aim to attract even larger tournaments and international events.
Upcoming events in 2025 include the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships, The BC Athletics Indoor Track & Field Championships, the Battle of the Border High School Meet, and the The Toyota National U-17 Soccer Championships will also be held in Kamloops leading into Thanksgiving. With these confirmed events, Kamloops is poised to maintain its position as a premier destination for sports tourism.
Kamloops’ commitment to sports is comprehensive. Its blend of infrastructure, accessibility, community support, and proven results solidifies its status as the Tournament Capital of Canada.
