Welland has a proud cultural heritage. Our residents represent a diverse blend of many ethnic backgrounds, including the third largest Francophone community in the province. Well known for Sport Tourism, The City is home to the state-of-the-art Welland International Flatwater Centre and Youngs Sportsplex. These venues host local, provincial, national and international competitions every year and bring athletes and their families from around the world to Welland, Ontario. Sport tourism is not just about what happens in the facilities, there is a lot of opportunity for business in food services, transportation and accommodations, among others. There is a number of indoor recreation facilities between public and non-municipal providers.
Sport Tourism
SPORT TOURISM
Welland is home to state-of-the-art venues hosting a variety of competitions annually, attracting athletes from around the world
Welland International Flatwater Centre
The Welland International Flatwater Center (WIFC) is a water-based recreational area that combines international-standard competitive water sport facility with recreational and social opportunities. It is Niagara’s premier calm water surface, set in 411 acres of parkland and 272 acres of water. This facility includes a timing tower, an athletes building that features an indoor multi-sport training tank to allow for year-round training, and grandstand seating for 570 spectators.
- 25+ events annually
- 10 Championships (regional/provincial/national)
- 12,000+ event participants annually
- Year-round facility use through indoor Paddle Tank program
- Host to five International Championships over past 8 years
- Host of 2015 Pan American Games, Canoe Sprint
“Welland’s bid had everything we were looking for and the community has a strong history for — and the community has a strong history of — high-performance rowing,”
~ Andrew Backer, Executive Director, Row Ontario
Youngs Sportsplex
This sportsplex features a FIFA regulation sized indoor soccer field, four indoor tennis courts as well as a sport performance centre. Surrounding the complex are five FIFA regulation soccer fields, three of which are artificial turf fields. The facility offers numerous field oriented sports and provide a place where people can train year round.
Welland Jackfish Baseball
Welland is proud to be the new home of the Jackfish, part of the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL), Ontario’s premier men’s baseball League and one of the best leagues in the country. The Fish play their home games at Welland Stadium, a 2,500-seat spectator-friendly ballpark. The stadium meets professional baseball standards as it was once home to the Welland Pirates, Single-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1989 to 1994. The Stadium first opened in 1989 and has been home to professional baseball, senior baseball, and minor baseball over its twenty-nine-year history.
Niagara College Athletics Centre
A two-storey Athletics Centre with a double varsity-sized gymnasium, makes Niagara College the ideal place for hosting indoor basketball and volley ball tournaments and championships.
Bullett Proof Baseball Academy
Is Niagara’s only indoor baseball training facility. Operating year round, under the guidance of former Major League Baseball player Scott Bullett, the Academy offers private and group lessons, team clinics and rentals to teams that wish to improve their baseball skills.
Tools & Resources
Niagara College’s School of Hospitality, Tourism, and Sport – Offers programs aligned with all three sectors, students learn from faculty experts while taking part in on-campus, hands-on experiential learning opportunities at facilities such as the NC Teaching Spa, and Benchmark, a student-led restaurant. In addition, students engage with top industry professionals and participate in co-op and work placements; applied research projects; and volunteer, networking and community leadership opportunities.
Brock University’s Sports Management Program – Brock is the only university in Canada granting a specialized Bachelor of Sport Management (BSM) degree. The program focuses on the application of theory, principles and practices of business to the sport industry. Field placements and internships in the third and fourth years offer significant career-building experiences.
WELLAND SPORT TOURISM PARTNERS
