BUCKINGHAM SPORTS PROPERTIES COMPANY
ANNOUNCES NEW STATE-OF-THE ART FOUR-PAD ARENA AT DOWNSVIEW PARK
Buckingham Arena at Downsview Park
Toronto, October, 2013 – Buckingham Sports Properties Company today announced the opening of a new 176,000 sq. foot sports facility in Ontario and will be complementing its existing Chesswood and Westwood arenas in Toronto.
The multi-million dollar private investment involved no government funding and also tapped into the latest enviro-friendly technology to ensure the federal government-leased land will be one of the most energy efficient arenas in the GTA – and North America.
Buckingham Arena will host North America’s largest minor hockey organization – The Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) – and will be home to the North York Storm Girls Hockey League, the Duffield Boys Club and the Toronto Titans Boys Hockey League, as well as Buckingham’s adult hockey leagues.
The Titans, a well-established hockey association once known as the Wexford Raiders, will play out of Buckingham Arena, on one of its four ice pads at Downsview Park.
“Our name may have changed six years ago, but we have never lost sight of our long-standing reputation, commitment to minor hockey, and importance of the game in the Greater Toronto Area,” says Eric Cella, General Manager of the Toronto Titans. “The organization believes Buckingham Sports shares those same values, which is why we’re looking forward to establishing a home base in one of the premier community arenas in North America.”
The GTHL has a long history with Chesswood and Westwood Arenas and is excited to be expanding the relationship with Buckingham to include Buckingham Arena at Downsview Park.
“A rink of this caliber in the centre of Toronto that is dedicated to minor hockey represents a tremendous opportunity”, says Scott Oakman, Executive Director, GTHL. “The GTHL is making a seven-day-a week commitment to this facility and is looking forward to growing our relationship with Buckingham.”
Along with four NHL surfaces, the facility will house a fully licensed bar and restaurant, snack bar, pro shop, vending centre and offices. Innovative features of the new facility include sledge hockey accessible rinks, along with energy efficient lighting and water flow. Additionally, the facility will provide ease of access with the Go Transit and TC subway stations being built in close proximity to the facility along with ample parking.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to operate the newest arena in Ontario. Our three Toronto arenas will provide sports organizations and tournament organizers with excellent facilities and unparalleled logistics,” says John Cook, Vice President at Buckingham. “I would also like to thank Downsview Park for their unwavering support and their long term vision – and I am particularly proud of the fact that the facility was constructed without any government grants or funding.”
About Buckingham Sports
Buckingham Sports Properties Company is an affiliate of The InterTech Group, Inc., (“TIG”) based in North Charleston, South Carolina. Buckingham owns and operates Downsview, Chesswood and Westwood Arenas in Toronto and the Cambridge and London Sports Parks.
For more information on Buckingham Sports Properties Company:
Joe Roma
joe@joeroma.com
416-705-1723
To arrange a tour or an Interview with John Cook, VP Buckingham:
Bonnie Grogan
groganb@buckinghamsports.ca
416-675-7604 x233
