The province says it is looking forward to showcasing B.C. in the lead-up to the Tokyo Olympics, with a world-class event set for June in Victoria.
Through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the province is providing $350,000 in support of the 2020 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Men’s Basketball Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
The event will be held at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre from June 23-28.
The tournament will feature Canada Greece and China in Group A, while Uruguay, Czech Republic and Turkey play in Group B.
The tournament winner, one of four qualifying events leading up to the Olympics, will earn a spot to the Tokyo games.
The Canadian men’s team is looking to return to Olympic competition for the first time since 2000 in Sidney, Australia.
“We’re excited to have the chance to watch some world-class basketball right here in our own backyard,” Premier John Horgan said in a statement.
“This qualifier will give kids and young athletes the chance to watch and be inspired by some of the most talented basketball players in the world.”
“We are proud to support sporting events which bring people together, strengthen community connections and stimulate the local economy,” Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Lisa Beare said in a release.
The province says sports tourism events bring in 2.3 million visitors annually, worth more than $1.3 billion to the B.C. economy.
“Hosting a competition of this magnitude in Canada provides a home-court advantage for our team, substantial economic impact for the local economy, and will undoubtedly contribute significantly to the growth of the game at the grassroots level across British Columbia and Canada,” Canada Basketball CEO and President Glen Grunwald said in a statement.
Canada Basketball says a nine-game ticket package, ranging from $270 to $1,350, goes on sale Friday morning at 10 a.m.
Canada Basketball has announced that nine-game ticket packages for the tournament will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Jan. 31.
Fans can buy tickets in person at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre’s box office or online.
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