Once known as Canada’s “Cathedral of Hockey,” for more than 80 years this national historic site has seen its share of landmark moments — and in 2015 the tradition will continue. Known at Games time as the Ryerson Athletic Centre, these hallowed walls will host basketball and wheelchair basketball during the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games. 

The venue was significantly renovated recently and while its iconic exterior remains, the refurbished interior boasts an NHL-sized rink, multi-purpose courts and an impressive high-performance fitness facility. 

Basketball plays a key part in this venue’s history. In 1946, the first professional basketball league game ever played was held on these courts. It saw the domination of Team USA’s Dream Team II at the 1994 FIBA World Championship of Basketball, and, more recently, the Canadian women’s team won gold at the 2014 Women’s World Wheelchair Basketball Championship.

Eight women’s and eight men’s teams will compete at both the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games. The quickness, team play and endless string of action-packed moments will keep basketball and wheelchair basketball fans on the edge of their seats.