2012- The opening of the expanded Terrace Sportsplex, combined with a tremendous show of community and regional support, enabled the City of Terrace to be the first Western Canadian city to earn the coveted title of “Kraft Hockeyville” in 2009. With that title the community earned a $100,000 cash prize and the opportunity to host a pre-season NHL game between the Vancouver Canucks and the New York Islanders.
This $10 million project included the addition of a new building to house an arena, multi-purpose rooms and a board room. Upgrades and efficiencies were also realized through the new refrigeration plant, low-e-ceiling, new air handling and dehumidification systems as well as shared washroom facilities in the dressing rooms and shared ice resurfacing equipment.
The Terrace Sportsplex is now used extensively year round to host both on ice events and off ice events. During the ice season, which runs from August to April, the facility is primarily utilized by Minor Hockey and Senior Men’s and Ladies hockey, figure skating, ringette and the popular CIHL Terrace Riverkings. On weekends the facility will see thousands of people through the doors who are either participating or taking in a game or tournament.
During the off season, May to July, the Sportsplex is a venue for many community events, such as tradeshows, high school dry grads, car shows, festivals, fairs, and numerous weddings.
The Sportsplex has been designed to dual as a conference centre. In 2009, the Sportsplex hosted the BC Elders Conference on behalf of the Nisga’a Nation Elders, welcoming over 3,500 First Nations elders from the United States, England, Germany, Terrace, Iskut, Kitamaat, Bella Bella, and across Canada from Nova Scotia to Vancouver to northwest BC.
Another prestigious event held in the Terrace Sportsplex was the 2010 BC Winter Games. This event brought in elite athletes, and their coaches and family members from all over the province to compete in various sporting events.
Regular programs include an array of fitness classes from traditional step aerobics to ethnic dancing. Arts and crafts and toddler play programs are also offered during the weekdays. The Sportsplex is also used as a ‘meeting place’ for many community clubs and organizations making the facility an integral part of the community.
