UBC Reports | Vol. 48 | No. 10 | Aug. 1 , 2002

UBC Hockey Rink in Olympic Bid

The UBC Board of Governors has confirmed approval "in principle" to support the concept of a proposed multi-purpose ice hockey arena at UBC for the 2010 Olympic bid.

"The next step will be for the university administration to negotiate a detailed understanding of the proposal with the bid corporation for consideration by the board at a fall meeting," said Brian Sullivan, vice-president, Students.

In 1998 the Canadian Olympic Committee selected Vancouver and Whistler to submit a bid for the 2010 Winter Games and the Winter Paralympic Games. The Vancouver 2010 Bid Corporation wants to build an ice hockey arena that would replace the Thunderbird Winter Sports Centre.

The proposed development includes a double rink, seating for approximately 5,500 people, as well as additional space to be used by UBC for a fitness centre, classrooms and labs.

"It would be completed well in advance of the games," said Sullivan. "And it would be available for students and the community to use." He said the current estimated cost of the project is $40.5 million.

A community open house was held on June 27th to discuss the arena, and the Bid Corporation made a presentation in May to the AMS for feedback.

The deadline for submission of full bids to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is January 2003. The IOC will short-list candidates this month. Sullivan said that consultation with the UBC community will continue during the upcoming preparations.