Imagine the roar of the crowd. The splash of water. The squeak of shoes on polished floors. All these sounds converge here at the Markham Pan Am Centre.
This multi-purpose community and aquatics center stands as a legacy to the 2015 Pan American Games. Markham won the right to host the games and constructed this building to do so. It is located in the new downtown area of Markham, Ontario. But its story extends far beyond those games.
The Markham Pan Am Centre hosted badminton, table tennis, and water polo events during the 2015 Pan American Games. During the Parapan American Games, the venue hosted the table tennis competition. During the Pan Am and Parapan American Games, it was named Atos Markham Pan Am / Parapan American Centre.
The official ground breaking for the facility was on October 9, 2012. The Markham Pan Am Centre officially opened on November 23, 2014. It cost roughly $78 million Canadian dollars to construct. Today, the Markham Pan Am Centre remains a vibrant hub for Markham-area residents. It is a competition center for aquatics, badminton, volleyball, basketball, and table tennis.
Step inside. The 13,657 square metre facility holds three gymnasiums. They are used for training, competitions, and community activities. The building’s triple gymnasium features twelve badminton courts. There are also six volleyball and two basketball courts. The high ceiling meets international requirements for badminton and volleyball. A warm-up hall offers additional courts.
The 50-metre Olympic-size swimming pool is designed to meet FINA international standards. Moveable bulkheads section the pool into three zones. There is permanent seating for 2,000 spectators.
Beyond the Games, the Markham Pan Am Centre continues to foster athletic excellence. It inspires dreams of championship glory. Within these walls, athletes push their limits. They strive to etch new records in the center’s history. The Markham Pan Am Centre is not just a building. It’s a place where community thrives. It is a place where athletes redefine strength and resilience.
The Markham Pan Am Centre stands as a testament to community and athletic achievement. It is a legacy of the Pan American Games and a beacon for future generations.