Sea Bears Open New Course with Free Youth Program

A new basketball court will be opened today.

The Winnipeg Sea Bears have announced a partnership with Buckets & Borders and Payworks to open a new field at the corner of Donald Street and River Avenue.

The grand opening of the new field, which will be open for four hours, will feature free youth programs, basketball games for all ages, food, giveaways, a live DJ and more.

The project was announced in April and includes a completely new field and a refurbishment of the existing field, including the backboards, uprights and rings.

‘The Mayfair Project’ takes place in advance of the CEBL Championship Weekend, a weekend of basketball coming to Winnipeg in the summer of 2025. The project is a step forward in the Sea Bears’ commitment to improving basketball in the community.

Below you will find the full programme of the festive opening:

11 o ‘clock in the morning – Opening ceremony, free youth programming

12 o ‘clock in the afternoon – Live DJ, food, basketball festival starts

12:30 pm – Three-point and two-ball competition, giveaways

14.00 hours – Local All-Star Game

Sea Bears President Jason Smith said in a press release, “We are honored to have the opportunity to bring basketball to more kids and provide safer places for them to learn, grow and play. We look forward to bringing the Sea Bears to the Mayfair court and connecting with youth in these great community spaces.”

“Buckets & Borders’ mandate is to improve communities and bring people together through the game of basketball,” Justin Lee, CEO and co-founder of the organization, said in a press release. “We are grateful to partner with leading community-focused organizations like the Winnipeg Sea Bears and Payworks to bring this dual-court restoration to life. The Mayfair Courts embody Winnipeg’s love of the game of basketball and will be a place where youth can play and be introduced to the game for years to come.”

“Payworks is thrilled to be a part of The Mayfair Project and honored to give back to the city we’ve called home for nearly 25 years,” said Payworks President and CEO JP Perron in a press release. “The Mayfair Project brings much more to the neighborhood than just beautiful basketball courts. This shared space will have its own community feel, where everyone is welcome to come together, grow, and be inspired. We look forward to The Mayfair Project becoming a space that motivates and encourages those who use it to take risks and—above all—have fun doing it.”

The team’s next home game is scheduled for July 13, when the Vancouver Bandits come to the Canada Life Centre at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.