November 5, 2008
(Halifax, NS) – President of DalhousieUniversity, Dr. Tom Traves announced in a press conference today that DalhousieUniversity has submitted a bid to host the CIS Men’s Hockey Championship for 2011 and 2012. If the bid is successful, this will be the first time that the men’s national university championship will take place in Halifax. Dalhousie has a solid history of hosting CIS championships, hosting 16 events since 1968, including championships in all of Dalhousie’s sports except track and field and hockey.
Dalhousie partnered with Events Halifax to prepare the bid document; capitalizing on their experience in producing and securing successful host bids. The bid is backed by the University administration and students, the city and the province, as well as numerous corporate partners, as indicated by letters of support included in the bid document.
President Traves is confident in Dal’s bid to host the event. "Dalhousie will roll out the red carpet, and given recent history in Halifax, I have no doubt the event will be a huge success. I know that Dalhousie alumni and friends will be eager to take part in a major sporting event that showcases top student athletes from across Canada."
A main component of the bid is the pre-sale of tournament ticket packages, an initiative that the CIS hasn’t seen before in a championship bid. The bid committee, chaired by Kevin Tobin, Senior Manager of Development at Dalhousie, has prepared a ticket campaign to launch on November 12 and run into December to pre-sell seven-game ticket packages with early bird pricing, with just a $25 deposit required until March 16, 2009. Ticket packages (including service charges) are $110 for adults and $100 for students, seniors (ages 55+) and children (ages 2-12). Tickets will go on sale on November 12 via Ticket Atlantic. Purchases can be made online at ticketatlantic.com or by phone at 451-1221. The intent is to showcase the tremendous support of the community behind hosting this prestigious national championship while also affording fans the opportunity to secure lower bowl seating at the Halifax Metro Centre.
“Earning the right to host the CIS Men’s Hockey Championships would be a huge boost for the Tigers men’s hockey program. History has shown that hosting this championship has a tremendous impact on enhancing the profile of the men’s hockey team and the University as a whole,” said Tigers’ Head Coach Pete Belliveau. “It would greatly assist our recruiting efforts and heighten awareness that Dal is committed to getting the Tigers’ men’s hockey team to championship contention. Aside from that, Dalhousie has shown the ability to host great events where student-athletes are front and centre, so I’m confident that if awarded the bid, we will serve the CIS well.”
The Dalhousie bid offers an emphasis on the student-athlete, ensuring a quality experience for student-athletes participating in the championship. Including such perks as covering the cost of meals, ground transportation and accommodations, access to a student-athlete lounge with high speed wireless internet service, TV’s and snacks, and hosting events and activities to introduce participating athletes to the area, the commitment is clear about providing a top quality experience for the student-athlete. Dalhousie will also use the championship as a way to build the profile of Canadian Interuniversity Sport as it celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2011.
Recent hosts of the championship include UNB (2003 & 2004), Alberta (2005 & 2006), Moncton (2007 & 2008) and the 2008 & 2009 championships will be hosted by LakeheadUniversity, Coach Belliveau’s former post.
The deadline to submit offers was November 3, 2008. The CIS will officially announce the schools who have submitted bids later today. Presentations are made to the CIS selection committee on December 3, 4, 2008 by those who have submitted a complete bid and it is expected that the CIS will announce the host by mid-December.
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For more information:
Kevin Tobin
Chair, CIS Men’s Hockey Championship Bid Committee
DalhousieUniversity
Phone: (902) 494-1514
Email: dal.ca
www.athletics.dal.ca/cishockey