Buckingham Sports Properties Company announces new state-of-the-art four-pad arena at Downsview Park

TORONTO, Sept. 11, 2013 /CNW/ - Buckingham Sports Properties Company today announced the opening of a new 176,000 sq. foot sports facility in Ontario to complement its existing Chesswood and Westwood arenas in Toronto.

The multi-million dollar private investment involved no government funding and tapped 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 at Downsview Park will host North America's largest minor hockey organization - the Greater Toronto Hockey League - and will be home to the North York Storm Girls Hockey League, Duffield Boys Club and Toronto Titans Boys Hockey League (formerly the Wexford Raiders), as well as Buckingham's adult hockey leagues.

"Our name may have changed six years ago, but we never lost sight of our long-standing reputation, commitment to minor hockey, and importance of the game in the GTA," says Eric Cella, General Manager of the Toronto Titans. "The organization believes Buckingham Sports shares those same values."

The GTHL has a long history with Chesswood and Westwood Arenas and is excited to be expanding their relationship with Buckingham.

"A rink of this calibre in the centre of Toronto 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 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 TTC subway stations being built close by.

"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 long term vision."

SOURCE: Buckingham Sports Properties Company

For an interview with John Cook or a tour:
Bonnie Grogan [email protected]
416-675-7604 x233

For more Buckingham information:
Joe Roma [email protected]
416-705-1723