Basketball Manitoba is inviting the Manitoba basketball community to submit proposals for the future use of the historic basketball court that has been a cornerstone of our province's basketball legacy for nearly 60 years. With the Winnipeg Sea Bears and Basketball Manitoba acquiring a new, world-class portable hardwood court, the time has come to repurpose this iconic piece of sports history.


Background

Originally constructed in 1955 and relocated to Manitoba in 1966, this court has witnessed countless historic events, including the 1967 and 1999 Pan Am Games, numerous NBA exhibition games, and local basketball events such as the Wesmen Classic and the home court for the Winnipeg Thunder, Cyclone and Sea Bears. Notable figures like Julius "Dr. J" Erving, Manu Ginรณbili, and local legends have graced its surface​​.  Read more about its history… 


Floor Specifications

Floor type: Maple hardwood portable flooring system

Assembled State: Total footprint:  110 x 60 feet (6,600 sq ft)

Disassembled State: Roughly 250 planks, 4 ft  wide x 7 ft  long x 3 inches thick (28 sq ft each).  It is stored or shipped on 15 standard-sized pallets, each weighing approximately 2,500 pounds per pallet.


Timelines

The court would become available for future use no sooner than the 3rd week of August, 2024. 


Proposal Guidelines

We are seeking innovative ideas that honour the court's rich history and contribute to the community's athletic, cultural, or educational development. Proposals should include:

  1. Project Description: A detailed explanation of how you plan to repurpose the court.
  2. Community Impact: How will the project benefit the local community, especially in promoting sports, culture, or education. 
  3. Sustainability: Plans for the long-term sustainability of the project.
  4. Budget and Funding: An outline of the budget and potential funding sources needed to achieve the stated goals. 
  5. Implementation Timeline: A clear timeline for the project's implementation.

Submission Details

  • Deadline: All proposals must be submitted by Friday, June 28, 2024.
  • Submission Format: Proposals are to be submitted electronically in PDF or Word format.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated by a Basketball Manitoba Committee and ratified by the Basketball Manitoba Board of Directors based on the following criteria:

  • Innovation and creativity
  • Feasibility and practicality
  • Potential basketball community impact
  • Alignment with the legacy and history of the court
  • A detailed and realistic budget for its future use
Please note that Basketball Manitoba reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received as a result of this Request for Proposal (RFP).  Basketball Manitoba may accept any proposal or negotiate with any respondent that, in its sole judgment, will best serve the interests of the greater basketball community.

Contact Information

For more details and submission guidelines, please contact:


Adam Wedlake

Basketball Manitoba

adam@basketballmanitoba.ca or 204-925-5773


Deadline for Submission

Submit your proposals to adam@basketballmanitoba.ca by Friday, June 28, 2024.


We look forward to seeing your creative ideas and working together to honour and repurpose this historic basketball court, ensuring its legacy continues to inspire future generations.

Thank you for your commitment to preserving and celebrating the history of basketball in Manitoba. We are excited to see the innovative ways you will help us continue this legacy!


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