Barney Bentall welcomes crowds with outdoor concert

Restaurants urged to staff up

In less than a week, Canada’s Tournament Capital, Kamloops, will be inundated with over 5,000 Canadians arriving for the 2022 Canada 55+ Games. 

Ice rinks are being flooded, soccer fields are being cut, and tennis courts are being swept as the city prepares for the showdown from Aug. 23-26 with the nearly 2,800 participants and their supporters and 26 official events. 

“We are encouraging all of our local restaurants and attractions to staff up and be prepared for a major influx of visitors throughout the week,” says Lisa Strachan, director of Destination Development with Tourism Kamloops.

“This is going to be a fun-filled week of competitions, socialization, and special events. Kamloops is widely known for our hospitality, and we are looking forward to showing all of our 55+ Games competitors and their supporters everything we have to offer.”

Over the four days of the Games participants will be treated to four days of competition, ceremonies and live music.

On Thursday, Aug. 25, Barney Bentall will go into the wild at the BC Wildlife Park. Concert ticket holders are welcome to arrive early to tour the Wildlife Park between the hours of 2 pm and 5 pm. 

Doors open at 5 pm. Bentall will take the stage at 6:30 pm. Food trucks will be on site. Tickets are available online at https://www.ykanow.ca/canada-55-games-community-events

The games will be made possible with the support of over 600 volunteers, hosting competitions at 28 venues throughout the city.