(Image credit: CFJC Today/File photo).
In any way, shape or platform

Memorial Cup Host Committee to cover other half of temporary platform at Sandman Centre

Mar 30, 2023 | 7:32 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Memorial Cup Host Committee will cover the additional $100,000 towards a temporary platform in Sandman Centre.

In a joint statement with the City of Kamloops Wednesday (March 29) afternoon, Yves Lacasse, chairman of the Memorial Cup Host Committee, says planning an event the size of the Memorial Cup takes a tremendous amount of effort and communication and they expect hiccups along the way.

The $100,000 announcement comes after Kamloops council voted to fund 50 per cent of the cost to a maximum of $100,000, instead of the full $200,000 for a temporary platform.

The temporary platform in the east end of Sandman Centre’s concourse was identified as a requirement for private suite spaces and a broadcast area for TSN.

Kamloops Councillor Mike O’Reilly proposed the city’s 50 per cent contribution during Tuesday’s council meeting with funding coming from the Gaming Reserve.

“When city staff and event staff are trying to plan for something like this, you try and plan far ahead, but there are always things that come up that were missed,” O’Reilly told CFJC Today. “This was something that did come up to council last minute but it was something overall that I think council was comfortable enough to get behind at the end, but not for the full ask of $200,000.”

In a report to council, Community and Protective Services Director Byron McCorkell noted the platform was not a part of the initial ask of the Canadian Hockey League for its championship event.

The Memorial Cup will be hosted at Sandman Centre from May 26 to June 4. The host committee estimates an economic impact of $12 million to $15 millions for the City of Kamloops.

with files from Noah Rishaug/CFJC Today