When Badminton Canada needed an ice rink cover to host the 2023 YONEX Canada Open at WinSport’s world-class arena, they chose Versare’s EverBase 3 as an affordable and modular solution. The addition of EverBase 3 flooring introduces greater flexibility to accommodate different sporting and event needs.
WinSport owns and operates Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, site of the 1988 Winter Olympics. There, they offer programs and facilities that help all ages discover, develop and excel at sports. In addition to winter and summer activities, this former Winter Olympic site boasts four NHL size hockey arenas one of which is the WinSport Event Centre, which can accommodate up to 4,000 guests for live events, concerts, receptions and corporate events.
As the not-for-profit operator of this Olympic Park, extended use for community and club sports, events and rentals are an important way for them to keep the community at large and guests engaged. While WinSport had previously invested in an event flooring system for their largest venue, when Badminton Canada needed a different solution to host the 2023 YONEX Canada Open international tournament, WinSport operations management were happy to assist them in their search.
Clear differences
Versare’s EverBase 3 was a natural deck cover solution for WinSport ice arenas and Badminton Canada’s upcoming YONEX tournament. Not only was it an affordable option, it also offered greater modularity for different types of events going forward.
With a unique interlocking system, EverBase 3 can be configured to cover the ice in any number of ways without needing to cover the entire rink. Unlike other systems which rely on the boards of the rink to hold deck tiles in place, once fit to the rink, EverBase 3 can be laid to cover center ice for a gala, or a portion of the rink for live entertainment or smaller sporting events. The WinSport Arena Operations staff were pleased to have the option of using EverBase 3 in such a flexible way.
Fast installation
With a great plan in place and a motivated and experienced WinSport operations crew, Versare personnel were on site to assist with the initial installation and fit of the deck to the ice arena.
WinSport operations staff thought through the location of flooring tile palettes, the number of personnel and their responsibilities, and the optimal direction of the installation. With a well-thought-out plan in place, the entire initial installation, including cutting, was achieved in three to four hours. After that initial installation and fitting, the WinSport operations team can configure and install EverBase 3 flooring in just two hours.
“Great credit goes to the arena operations team at WinSport,” explained Doug Mark, Sales Lead at Versare Flooring. “They were motivated, skilled and had excellent planning, which in turn translates to great operational efficiencies. We’re proud to partner with Badminton Canada and WinSport and continue to extend the use of these world-class facilities for elite events.”
Elegant solution
Another benefit of EverBase 3 modular flooring is the finished appearance of the ice deck cover.
Light grey in color, EverBase 3 is made of high impact Polypropylene Co-Polymer, giving the 18″ x 24″ flooring tiles a sophisticated look compared to other darker deck covers on the market. The reinforced, toolless connector system allows for quick installation and a seamless professional floor surface that provides a solid support base for all types of activities.
After the successful 2023 YONEX Canada Open in July, WinSport now has another flooring solution that will allow them to use their ice rinks for other sports, community events and receptions, corporate events and live entertainment. Versare was proud to partner with Badminton Canada for this premier event, and with WinSport to increase the access and use of their world-class facilities.
Do you need flexible and modular flooring with excellent ROI? Contact us today!