The university’s rector, Sophie D’Amours, was all smiles at the idea that this addition of infrastructure will be a serious boost tomorrow to democratizing tennis.
“It is true that there are already discussions to host international events since the facilities will meet the standards of the International Tennis Federation, but I am happy to know that the center will have a significant impact on the practice of this sport by young people as well as the general population.”
The rector of Laval University, Sophie D’Amours. (Jean Carrier/The Sun)
Located west of Telus Stadium, the centre will open its doors in the fall of 2026, with delivery scheduled for the summer of the same year. The minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale, Jonatan Julien, shared the rector’s opinion.
“The future sports complex will certainly become an example, an additional incentive for our people to maintain an active lifestyle, to play sports, and to take care of themselves and their health.”
The provincial government is contributing $20 million to the project, while the university is covering the remaining $13.5 million.
A place for pickleball
While tennis has enjoyed growing popularity in the region in recent years, pickleball has seen an even greater boom. This boom has forced decision-makers to revise the initial project.
“We added the pickleball courts because of the strong demand for this sport across the continent and in Quebec. It’s a good way for many to stay active, but I confirm that pickleball was not in the initial project,” concludes the rector.
The Rouge et Or tennis players couldn’t be happier. (Jean Carrier/The Sun)
The Red and Gold filled
The Rouge et Or tennis program will obviously benefit from these new facilities. This is excellent news for the club, which has just had its best season in its history with a second place in Canada.
Team captain Émilie Corbett assures that this project is a game-changer for her program even if the fourth-year player will not play long on these new fields.
“We’re always treated well at the Rouge et Or, but it will be really nice to finally play our local games at home. I really think we’ll be one to watch in the coming years as a Canadian power.”
An obvious business card
This new gem will obviously be a major selling point when the time comes to recruit new players for the program. Head coach Jacques Bordeleau couldn’t help but notice how far his program has come.
“It’s certain that we have gradually taken our place within the Rouge et Or family. It’s very exciting to see this project that gives us the first tennis infrastructure for university training in Quebec.”
For the tennis player, the influence on the program’s recruiting already began before this announcement.
“When you look at our girls on the team, there is only one who is not from Quebec. It is likely to continue in this direction. The level continues to increase over the years. We have about 50 athletes who are currently trying to break into the men’s team and a little less among the girls and it is very difficult to make these decisions.”
A happy problem that did not arise when he arrived in Laval in 2014-2015.
