Special Edition: The World's Oldest Basketball Court
Issue 14 Volume 1
This special edition of The Fredericton Word focuses on events and locations outside of our normal Fredericton focus but the people, volunteers, celebrities, attendees all have Fredericton connections. It is a story I am proud to share. Please note the Fredericton Word is biased and has participated in and enjoyed beers with many of the individuals listed.
The Oldest What?
The World’s Oldest Basketball Court (WOBC) is in St. Stephen, New Brunswick! Oldest in the whole world! So why haven’t you heard about this hidden gem? Because it was literally hidden.
“When a fire in May 2010 severely damaged a local historical landmark in St. Stephen, it also sparked old memories of the history of basketball in the community. St. Stephen is a basketball town and, over the years, pride in local coaches, players, and teams has become a part of the fabric of the community. Realizing what could be lost forever, concerned citizens rallied together to raise over 1 million dollars to purchase the building which houses the court. Now, with the building secured, the community is setting out to create a destination attraction for basketball fans and other tourists alike.”
What’s next?
The Oldest Basketball Court had been saved but what next for this piece of sporting history? I will let Tom Liston (a Fredericton ex-pat, best friend, basketball fan/coach/Dad and all-around good guy) explain best in this video.
Fredericton’s renowned architect and art curator John Leroux has helped with the design of the new complex and sits on the WOBC Board of Directors (Editor’s note: are we seeing any Fredericton connections yet?).
Once completed, the Canada Basketball Experience Centre will offer hall-of-fame-quality information, interaction, and participation to appeal to young and old and generate excitement even for non-basketball fans.
The Centre has an exciting partnership with Canada Basketball. The WOBC group has plans to host a node (one of 3) of its Hall of Fame. The team has also been in discussion with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield Massachusetts about a potential partnership as well.
Showcasing the Canadian history of the sport – Using digital technology and interactive hands-on basketball-themed activities, visitors will “experience” the history of the game of basketball and what it offers.
Interactive information exhibits.
Visiting exhibits
Memorabilia & artifacts.
The Archie
The Archie is the celebrity golf tournament that helps raise funds for the World’s Oldest Court, in addition to raising awareness in the national basketball community. The Archie pays homage to Lyman Archibald, a protégé of James Naismith, and a member of the very first basketball team. Ever. Archibald then brought basketball to New Brunswick and established a basketball court at the St. Stephen YMCA.
Now in its third year, the celebrity tournament has attracted NBA national broadcasters like Paul Jones and Jack Armstrong as well as sports writers like Michael Grange (check out Grange’s piece on WOBC). Several former Canadian Basketball Olympians (including Fredericton’s own Dianne Norman, Joyce Slipp, Sabrina Durepos and Dave Durepos) and New Brunswick celebrities (like Matt Stairs, Tony Lepage, and Maestro Fresh Wes) have also participated in the tournament.
Hosted in St Andrews at the Algonquin Resort. This year’s tournament kicks off this Thursday, August 15th with the VIP event, featuring music by basketball fan and Frederictonian David Myles. Golfing is on Friday followed by a visit to the WOBC and reception in St. Stephen.
Back this year as title sponsor is Fredericton’s Riverview Lincoln, despite giving up a free Lincoln Navigator to Kurt Peacock (another Fredericton ex-pat) who drilled a hole-in-one in last year’s tournament.
Fredericton is always well-represented on the golf course by the local Fredericton basketball community and is always great to catch up and celebrate basketball with local coaches, broadcasters, and volunteers. Make sure you plan ahead to join the Archie tournament in summer 2025
NOTE: At time of sending out this newsletter there is still room for 2 golf teams. Register here.
This year, on Saturday, will be the first-ever Youth Clinic and 3X3 youth tournament in St. Stephen. Don’t be surprised to see some of the basketball celebrities sticking around to mentor and cheer on the kids.
