By City of Kamloops News Release

The official name of the Kamloops' new 135,000 square foot multi-sport facility is Tournament Capital Centre.

Mayor Terry Lake made the announcement at today's council meeting, citing the new name appropriately reflects Kamloops' reputation as the Tournament Capital of Canada.

"A full day of community celebrations and official opening are being planned for the Tournament Capital Centre on May 26," says Lake. More details will follow on the May 26 events, and City officials want to ensure the day provides excitement for all citizens who have invested in the $22 million Centre.

Construction of the City-owned facility, located on McGill Road, began in 2005. Tournament Capital Centre contains:

• Hillside Stadium
• Canada Games Aquatic Centre
• 200-metre, six-lane indoor track;
• specially designed jumps and throws area;
• 15,000 square feet of gymnastics space;
• three hardwood courts for basketball, volleyball, badminton, and other court activities;
• 8,000 square feet of public fitness rooms;
• 3,000 square feet of public meeting rooms;
• dedicated space for athlete conditioning and training;
• Sage Medical Centre, home to orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Ross Outerbridge, and sport physiotherapist, Holly Eburne; as well as
• offices for Pacific Sport, and local athletic organizations.

In a November, 2003 referendum, Kamloops residents committed to their support of tournaments by investing $37.6 million in new world-class sport, recreation, and wellness facilities at McArthur Island Sports and Events Centre, Norbrock Stadium, and the Tournament Capital Centre (including Hillside Stadium). The provincial government contributed $8 million to Tournament Capital facilities, and the federal government contributed $2 million.

The Centre has been designed to modern environmental standards to conserve energy, and to the largest extent possible, was built using non-toxic, recycled, and energy efficient architectural and mechanical materials.

To validate the Centre's environmental design standards, the City of Kamloops has applied to the Canada Green Building Council for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification.