Sandman Centre

Nestled in a picturesque location on the banks of the South Thompson River, the Kamloops Arena (officially known as the Sandman Centre) serves as the main epicenter of sporting and cultural life in Kamloops. This multi-purpose complex in Canada opened its doors to become the home of the legendary Kamloops Blazers hockey team and a premier venue for the region's biggest events.

Sandman Centre is more than just a stadium; it is a modern facility with a capacity of up to 5,464 spectators for hockey games and up to 6,400 people for concerts. Thanks to its well-designed infrastructure and its location just a few blocks from the city center, the arena has become a favorite spot for both locals and numerous tourists.

The building impresses with its versatility, housing nearly 20,000 square feet of exhibition space. This allows it to host everything from intense sporting battles to large-scale trade conventions and world-class shows. The venue is owned by the city, and its name today is closely associated with the hospitality of a well-known hotel chain.

For more information on upcoming events or to purchase tickets, you can use the venue's official contact details. The box office and administrative offices are always ready to assist visitors with organizational inquiries.

The main reason to visit the Sandman Centre is to experience the unique atmosphere of Canadian hockey. Attending a Kamloops Blazers game allows you to see future NHL stars in action and feel the energy of the stands. The high level of organization in Western Hockey League games guarantees a memorable experience even for those who have never considered themselves fans of winter sports.

Beyond sports, the arena is the region's premier concert venue. Over the years, world-renowned stars such as Avril Lavigne and Shania Twain have performed here. Modern acoustics and a transformable space allow the venue to host shows of any scale—from intimate theatrical productions to powerful rock concerts.

The Sandman Centre event calendar is impressively diverse. It regularly hosts prestigious national and international tournaments, such as the Tim Hortons Brier curling championships or the Women's World Hockey Championship. If your visit coincides with one of the major exhibitions or fairs, you can discover local products and innovations in the complex's spacious exhibition halls.

Getting to the Sandman Centre is easy, as the arena is located at 300 Lorne Street (sometimes referred to as 300 Mark Recchi Way), in close proximity to the city's historic center. The banks of the South Thompson River serve as a landmark—the building is just two blocks away from the main shopping and walking streets.

For those who prefer to drive, there is parking available on-site, and the city's main thoroughfares lead directly to the sports complex. If you are using public transit, take advantage of the Kamloops Transit bus system—the nearest stops are just a few minutes' walk away.

Travelers arriving in the city by Via Rail will also appreciate the convenient location: the train station is located downtown, and the arena can be reached on foot or by a quick taxi ride. A short taxi trip from any central hotel is inexpensive and will save time before the start of a game or show.

The history of this venue began in 1992, when the new arena, originally named the Riverside Coliseum, replaced the old Kamloops Memorial Arena, which had served the city since the late 1940s. Its construction was driven by the need for a modern facility capable of hosting major hockey tournaments and international stars.

Over the years, the venue has undergone several commercial name changes. After Riverside Coliseum, it was known as Sport Mart Place, then Interior Savings Centre, before finally receiving its current name—Sandman Centre. In 2005, the building underwent significant modernization, adding private VIP suites to increase total capacity and enhance spectator comfort.

The arena's greatest pride is its home team, the Kamloops Blazers. Founded in the early 80s, the club became a true legend, winning six Western Hockey League (WHL) championship titles and lifting the prestigious Memorial Cup three times in the first half of the 90s. The spirit of these victories can still be felt within the complex, which is decorated with commemorative banners and photos of the champions.

The time you spend at the Sandman Centre depends entirely on the purpose of your visit. If you plan to attend an exciting hockey game, we recommend setting aside at least 3–4 hours. This will give you enough time to park without rushing, go through security, visit the souvenir shop, and fully enjoy the game with all its intermissions.

For those attending concerts or music shows, a typical visit lasts 2–3 hours. In the case of large exhibitions or trade fairs, it could take a full day to explore all the displays across the nearly 20,000 square feet of exhibition space.

The administrative offices and main box office of the Sandman Centre are typically open to visitors from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is generally closed on Saturdays and Sundays unless special events are scheduled for those days.

It is important to note that the schedule for event days (games, concerts, or exhibitions) is set individually. Doors usually open for spectators 1–1.5 hours before the event begins. To ensure you don't miss the start and to confirm weekend box office hours, it is recommended to check the schedule on the arena's official website in advance.

The arena's location in the heart of the city makes it easy for tourists to combine a visit to a sporting event with a tour of local landmarks. A stroll through the surrounding area will reveal cozy parks, historical routes, and interesting architectural monuments just a few steps away.