Québec City, the number two city for hosting sports events according to the Global Sport Impact Index (GSI Canada), opens a brand-new sports complex in the Sainte-Foy neighbourhood on August 28 and 29, 2021. It is a highly anticipated event for amateur and competitive athletes across Canada and around the world.
The complex, named Centre de glaces Intact Assurance, is a major endeavour for the city to attract even more high-calibre sports events and competitions. Construction work began in fall 2018 for this nearly $70-million project.
While Québec City is renowned internationally as a top destination for sports events of all sizes, thanks to its modern infrastructure, world-class sports venues, and exclusive sports events services, the Centre de glaces Intact Assurance will take the city’s reputation to a whole new level, allowing it to welcome all types of sports competitions and events in figure skating, speed skating and hockey. The venue, which can welcome up to 2,500 spectators, features:
- A 400-metre Olympic-sized speed skating rink
- Four ice hockey rinks (2 NHL-sized rinks and 2 international-sized rinks)
- 465-metre indoor athletics track
- The Gaétan-Boucher training Centre (high performance training centre – long and short track speed skating)
The complex is the only sports venue of its type in Eastern North America. The Centre de glaces Intact Assurance is one of two ISU-sanctioned speed skating rinks in Canada and the 4th of its kind in North America. With 360-degree fenestration around its enclosure, the complex is sure to dazzle visitors and athletes alike.
The Centre de glaces Intact Assurance has already created quite a buzz that several national and international events have already been schedule for the 2021–2022–2023 season:
- Canada Cup #1 (long track), December 3 to 5, 2021
- Canada Cup #2 (long track), December 27 to 31, 2021
- Canada Cup Final (short track), March 26 and 27, 2022
- International Masters All-round Games, February 2023
“The Centre de glaces Intact Assurance will become a reputed venue for long-track speed skating,” explained Robert Dubreuil, General Manager of the Fédération de patinage de vitesse du Québec, Québec City’s speed skating federation.
Hosting international competitions here will not only be exceptionally motivating for our athletes but also instrumental for the city’s economic growth. Québec City has definitely raised the bar in terms of sports tourism.
In addition to other sport events venues and sites in the region, the Centre de glaces Intact Assurance will be attractive for a number of sports-themed events, including conferences, conventions and business meetings. There are 3 amphitheatres, a large hall that can accommodate up to 700 people, and meeting rooms for smaller groups. There is a spacious mezzanine, 1 press room, 1 dining area with an exclusive catering service that can be set up in the heart of the action.
These spaces are ideal for all types of events and needs, including cocktail receptions, press briefings, VIP receptions, and more. In addition, the complex also has cutting-edge audio-visual equipment and infrastructure for major events, with giant screens and surround sound.
Event planners will also be thrilled to know that the Centre de glaces Intact Assurance is open for business travellers and Québec citizens, which means that the venue is perfect for off-hours activities. Several periods for ice skating – for skaters of all levels – will be available, along with skate and helmet rentals. What’s more: reserved blocks of time will also be open for the walking and race track.
The sports complex is also located about a 10-minute drive from Old Québec, with its charming historical and cultural backdrop, and the Québec City Convention Centre. The venue will be open for both winter and summer sports.
The Centre de glaces Intact Assurance is a versatile facility, located in a premium location for international sports events and competitions in Québec City, said Ariane Croteau, Sales Manager for the Sports Events Market at Québec City Business Destination.
“With this addition to our already impressive roster of sports infrastructure, Québec City will be at the top among global destinations for sports events. Event planners and sports associations will be amazed at the simplicity in organizing competitions in Québec City and impressed with the quality of our equipment and facilities.”
