Cheap Hotels near Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre

The Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre is a sports and leisure facility located in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. It is named after Brantford native and famous hockey player, Wayne Gretzky. The centre's facilities include four NHL-sized ice rinks, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, hydrotherapy pools, a gymnasium, and a weight room. It also houses the Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Recognition, honouring local athletes. Outside the main entrance, visitors can see a full-sized bronze sculpture of Wayne Gretzky holding the Stanley Cup, alongside his parents and a young Wayne.

When planning a visit to the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre in Brantford, consider staying in hotels located conveniently close to the facility, such as those along North Park Street or near Highway 403. Options like the Comfort Inn Brantford or Days Inn by Wyndham Brantford are within a 1-mile radius, offering ease of access for those primarily visiting for sports and entertainment. For a stay that combines proximity with additional amenities suitable for families or those attending conferences, the Best Western Brantford Hotel & Conference Centre is another practical choice, located approximately 1 mile away. These hotels often cater to guests with amenities that complement a sports-focused trip.

Sports and entertainment events

The Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre is a key location for sports and leisure in Brantford, hosting a wide array of activities and events. It features a four-pad arena, which is home to teams like the Brantford Titans, and regularly offers recreational skating for all ages. Beyond ice sports, the centre provides extensive aquatic facilities with various pools, including a 65m pool, a 25m pool, a warm water pool, a hydrotherapy pool, and a 150 ft waterslide.

The centre also includes a gymnasium for drop-in sports like volleyball and basketball, a fully equipped weight room, and dryland training facilities. A diverse range of fitness classes, both on land and in the pool, are available throughout the week. Specific event schedules, public skating times, or fitness class details are available on the official Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre website.

Opening times and tickets

The Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre is open daily, typically from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM on weekdays and from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekends. The indoor track has slightly different hours, generally open from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM daily. The centre's official schedule provides opening times for specific facilities like the pools and fitness centre, which may vary slightly.

Access to the facility's various offerings can be obtained through daily passes, 10-visit punch cards, 3-month memberships, or annual memberships. These can be purchased in person at the centre, by phone, or online. For specific events, gates typically open 2 to 3 hours before the start time, while doors to the venue usually open 90 minutes to 2 hours prior, depending on the event type. The official Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre website provides the most current information on opening hours and ticket availability.

Visitor experience and facilities

The Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre offers many amenities for visitors. The facility includes change rooms with showers and washrooms, and accessible changing facilities are available. For families, there are dedicated family change rooms, and children under 7 years old or non-swimmers must be accompanied by an adult in the pool.

Food options include two main concession areas: the Lookout Lounge, which is a full-service bar and restaurant overlooking the main arena's ice surface, and the Lookout Express, offering typical concession fare like pizza, burgers, and hot dogs. The centre also houses the Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Recognition, a 3,000 square foot space that celebrates local sports heroes with artefact displays, an Honour Wall, and a Wayne Gretzky tribute area. Admission to the Sports Hall is free. Additionally, there is a pro shop and a wellness centre on-site.

Insider tips and highlights

The Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre is named after Brantford's famous native, Wayne Gretzky, and has been a primary sports and leisure facility for over 50 years. Outside the main entrance, a bronze sculpture of Gretzky holding the Stanley Cup, along with his parents, Walter and Phyllis, and a young Wayne, is a prominent feature. Near the parking lot, you can also find the Karen Roberts artwork "Take Your Shot," which incorporates hockey sticks and pucks donated by the community in memory of Walter Gretzky.

Inside, the main lobby is spacious, connecting the pool area with the ice rinks, and provides access to the Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Recognition. This hall not only honours inductees but also displays several artefacts and mementos, many from the Gretzky family. Exploring the Sports Hall is a highlight for visitors interested in the region's athletic heritage. The centre's design, with its extensive use of glass, allows for ample natural light, creating an open and modern feel.

The Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre in Brantford is approximately 27 km from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM), the closest airport. From Hamilton International Airport, you can take the HSR Route 20 A-Line Express bus to downtown Hamilton, which connects to other transit options. Taxis and rideshares like Lyft and Uber are also available from the airport, with pick-up zones located at the terminal curb. For those preferring to drive, car rental services are available at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), approximately 80 km from Brantford. The Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre is wheelchair accessible.

While in Brantford, consider visiting the Bell Homestead National Historic Site, where Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, or explore the natural beauty of the Grand River and the Brant Conservation Area for outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. The Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Recognition, located within the Sports Centre, also makes for an interesting visit.

Staying near the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre in Brantford offers convenience, particularly if your visit focuses on sports or family activities. This area provides easy access to the facilities, making it ideal for athletes, families attending tournaments, or anyone keen on swimming and skating. The surrounding neighbourhood has a relaxed atmosphere, with amenities for a comfortable stay, ensuring practicality whether you are in Brantford for an event or a leisure trip.