The All Native Basketball Tournament starts this weekend! We are so excited to be welcoming back the many teams, players, volunteers and spectators that gather in our little community every year for this amazing celebration of sport and culture. We’re here to share some more information on the event (but follow the All Native Basketball Tournament page and their new website at anbt.ca for the official schedules, etc), and also some logistical guidance on parking and use of the facilities during our busiest season of the year.
👉 Opening Ceremonies is Sunday, February 9th at 8 pm, hosted by Gitxaala – however we understand that tickets are now sold out
👉 Game schedules are posted and updated on the ANBT Facebook page
👉 Live coverage is offered, as in the past, by CFNR for those not able to make the games – games are at cfnrfm.ca/anbt
👉 There are always vendors set up in the auditorium for those looking to take a break from the games – make sure to check them out and give these amazing makers your support!
👉 The canteen is also a great option for those looking for a snack
Now on to the administrative stuff…
👉 The bus stop always moves during ANBT because the roadway is so tight along next to our facility and due to more pedestrian traffic they move it for safety reasons. The stop will be in front of Mission Health and wellness from February 8th – 16th.
👉 This year we will have signage out front that designates the area across from the entrance for pick up and drop off for elders and those with accessibility needs. We’re asking that this be for quick drop off only to help keep things moving. Drivers aren’t permitted to exit their cars, so if someone you’re dropping off needs an escort for support, it’s best to bring an additional person with you to let out of the vehicle with them.
👉 Parking is always at a premium in the area surrounding the Rec Complex. If you are driving to the event, we encourage wherever possible carpooling with others. In the past we’ve also had a number of reports of folks inadvertently blocking traffic/other vehicles in when parking, so please be aware of your surroundings and ensure there is adequate space for passing you/backing up around you when you park.
👉 Daytime staff are taking one for the team and many are parking off site for this major event to maximize parking for the community and visitors.
👉 Parking enforcement really isn't our preferred option, but it is an option if drivers are really flagrantly violating the rules (ie. don't park directly in front of the 'no parking' sign). We’ve done up a map with parking/no parking areas and made our signage a bit clearer this year to help guide folks.
This all sounds like a lot – but keeping the emergency areas and no parking zones clear makes sure that emergency crews can access people if they need to, and that we prioritize the people who need easy access to the Civic Centre.
Our most important request? Have fun and play safe!
