October 29, 2021
By: Emilie Lapointe
Oakville is a bucket list destination in Ontario for many reasons, including its incredible restaurants, historical landmarks and beautiful lakeside views. Oakville also has an impressive sport hosting history, proving to be the perfect location for those looking to host local, provincial, national and international sporting events.
Due to Oakville’s vast infrastructure of athletic facilities, the town has been sought out to host a number of events like the RBC Canadian Open, the Skate Canada Autumn Classic International, the Canadian National Junior Hockey Team Sport Chek Selection Camp, and, most recently, the Grand Slam of Curling Masters (GSOC).
The 2021 Masters was held at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex last week with an impressive lineup of the world’s best curlers vying for the men’s and women’s titles. The Masters was the first major GSOC tournament to allow fans in the stands since 2019, and Sixteen Mile Sports Complex served as an ideal hosting venue.
The complex is a short drive to local amenities and sees thousands of locals through every week for anything from recreational free skates to elite Junior A hockey. It’s even home to the local OJHL’s Oakville Blades and Skate Oakville, one of the largest skating clubs in Canada! There are four ice pads in the facility, including one Olympic-sized sheet that are used for ice-related sports like hockey, figure skating and curling. It’s also surrounded by walking trails, a large outdoor soccer field and dog park.
Upon entering the sports complex, visitors are greeted by a large art piece by Canadian artist Liz Pead depicting a wintery scene made from recycled items that serve as a reminder of what the facility is all about: ice sports and community. The beautiful landscape piece feels whimsical in its use of old skates, hockey pads and helmets.
Oakville’s Sixteen Mile Sports Complex at a glance
- Three community style NHL ice surfaces with seating for 250 spectators
- A spectator facility with Olympic-sized ice and seating for 1,500 spectators
- Corbett’s Source for Sports pro-shop
- Talk of the Town Best Sports Bar Winner Puckz Pub
- Puckz on the fly for snacks and concessions
- Two shooter pads
- Two community rooms available for rentals
- Twenty dressing rooms to support the four arenas
Our Best Sports Bar Talk of the Town Award-winner, Puckz Pub, is nestled in the complex between two of the arenas. Its expansive glass windows allow for viewing, as games are on the go below for those who want a meal and a pint as they watch!
Sixteen Mile Sports Complex is just one of many local arenas that has solidified Oakville as a sport hosting destination. The town is also home to 21 ice pads in eight facilities, Pine Glen Soccer Centre, which boasts a full-size FIFA-regulated turf, 28 other turf fields and eight baseball diamonds. Those looking to bring a new or existing event to Oakville can also find some financial aid by applying for Visit Oakville’s Tourism Investment Fund.
The Tourism Investment Fund provides direct assistance to organizations hosting premium events in local facilities. Selected applicants will be awarded up to a maximum of $5,000. The goal is to stimulate growth and support the local economy by welcoming regional, provincial, national and international events that will a legacy in Oakville.
Take a look at the application guidelines and requirements here to help plan for your next big event!
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