Event Details & F.A.Q

1. When are the 2018 Wood Buffalo Alberta Winter Games taking place?

th th The Games take place from February 16 ​ - 19 ,​ 2018 ​ ​

2. Where exactly are the Games taking place?

The Games will be taking place in the RMWB, specifically in Anzac, Fort McKay and Fort McMurray

3. Where can I buy tickets for the 2018 Wood Buffalo Alberta Winter Games

Tickets can be purchased online at www.macdonaldisland.ca/events ​

4. How much are tickets for the event?

ADULT YOUTH/SENIOR Opening Ceremonies $25.00 $20.00 Weekend Pass $35.00 $25.00 Daily Pass $15.00 $10.00 * GST is in addition to the above noted price.

5. Do children need to purchase tickets for events?

Due to the limited seating capacity for opening ceremonies, only children under the age of 2 on a parents lap will be admitted without a ticket. For sporting events throughout the community children 6 and under will be permitted free of charge with an adult.

Please note Games passes are not required for Vista Ridge All Season Park but you will be required to purchase a lift ticket from Vista Ridge to access the hill.

8329 Fraser Avenue - Fort McMurray, Alberta - T9H 1W9

6. Where can I redeem my ticket for the required wrist band?

Wristbands for the weekend can be redeemed at the MacDonald Island Park Box Office prior to opening ceremonies on Friday February 16th, as well at all Games Venues through the community beginning on February 17th. Wrist bands provide access to all sport venues.

6. What sport Venues are being used that weekend?

Sport Venue Alpine Skiing Vista Ridge All Season Park Shell Place Artistic Suncor Community Leisure Centre Fort McMurray Gun Range Suncor Community Leisure Centre Cross Country Skiing Birchwood Trails Father Patrick Mercredi High School Figure Skating Frank Lacroix Arena Men’s Hockey Suncor Community Leisure Centre Women’s Hockey Casman Centre Freestyle Skiing Vista Ridge All Season Park Suncor Community Leisure Centre Anzac Recreation Centre/Frank Lacroix Snowboarding Vista Ridge All Season Park Speed Skating Fort McKay Arena Squash Suncor Community Leisure Centre Suncor Community Leisure Centre Mens & Womens Syncrude Sport & Wellness Centre Syncrude Sport & Wellness Centre *As of January 24th, the Host Society received word that the competition would be cancelled

8329 Fraser Avenue - Fort McMurray, Alberta - T9H 1W9

7. What can we expect from the opening ceremonies?

Opening ceremonies will be outdoors at night in Northern Alberta in February. Dress warm, in layers to ensure you are comfortable. This will be a high energy, high excitement pep rally feel event. Opening Ceremonies pre-show starts 6:30 pm Friday February 16th.

8. Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?

It is highly recommended you purchase your Opening Ceremonies Tickets in advance, as they are selling quickly.

9. How old are the athletes participating in these Games?

There are 1912 Athletes between the ages 11-17 participating in these Games.

10. Where are the athletes from?

Participating Athletes are from across the Province of Alberta. The Province is divided into 8 zones. Athletes will compete for medals under their zone title.

11. What Zone is Fort McMurray?

We are Zone 7 – you will see our athletes dress in Navy Blue Zone Wear

12. Where are the Participants staying?

Athletes will be staying in local schools in the Fort McMurray area. Schools will be transformed in athlete villages for athletes, coaches and chaperones. Technical officials will be staying in local hotels

8329 Fraser Avenue - Fort McMurray, Alberta - T9H 1W9

13. Where can I find more information about the Games? www.albertawintergames.ca

14. Are volunteers still needed? Who can volunteer?

Yes volunteers are still needed! Anyone interested in volunteering can visit www.albertawintergames.ca to register. Individuals 14 and over are able to volunteer on their own. ​ Those under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone or parent.

15. Are there any Cultural Events happening during the games?

Fort McKay Arena, Anzac Recreation Centre and MacDonald Island Park will feature Cultural Pop-up Performance with local entertainment, crafts and activities. In partnership with our Metis Elders there will also be a guided walk through the Total Aboriginal Interpretive Trail at the entrance to MacDonald Island Park.

16. Is WinterPlay part of the 2018 Wood Buffalo Alberta Winter Games?

The Host society for the Games has partnered with the RMWB and the WinterPlay committee to have both events run alongside each other. We hope that visitors to our community will see all that our great region has too offer. When not watching sport or visiting our local restaurants we hope everyone will visit the Snye and check out the best of WinterPlay

17. What happens if it’s too cold out?

There are several activities that do have a cold weather policy, one of them being Opening Ceremonies. Should weather create a concern and Opening Ceremonies are cancelled tickets will be refunded. There will be no refunds for weekend passes as access is provided to all indoor venues as well.

8329 Fraser Avenue - Fort McMurray, Alberta - T9H 1W9

18. Where can I buy that awesome Games Merchandise I have been seeing?

Games Merchandise will be available at both Syncrude Sport & Wellness Centre and Suncor Community Leisure Centre (Saturday/Sunday/Monday) There is also a schedule of Pop Up Merchandise Sales are various venues:

Opening Ceremonies February 16th(Shell Place) 6pm – 9pm th Vista Ridge All Season Park: February 17 ​ 9 – 12pm th ​ Casman Centre: February 18 :​ 4pm – 8pm ​ th Anzac Recreation Centre: February 17 ​ 2pm – 6pm th ​ Fort McKay Arena: February 18 ​ 9am - 1pm ​ th Volunteer Appreciation: February 19 :​ 6pm – 9pm ​

19. What can local business do to get involved in the 2018 Wood Buffalo Alberta Winter Games?

There are many ways in which you can be involved: a. Like, Comment and Share our Social Media. Find us on Twitter: @2018woodbuffalo Instagram: @2018woodbuffalo and Facebook: /2018woodbuffalo b. Put the provided 2018 Wood Buffalo Alberta Winter Games Sticker on your business door or window c. Consider offering a Games Special, whether it is an appetizer, entry into a draw, a discount or provide an opportunity or incentive for visitors to Like, Comment or Share your social media to increase your reach d. Volunteer! Have your staff volunteer for one of the numerous portfolios and give them an opportunity to interact with the visitors to our region. There is no better promotion than word of mouth. Getting your staff into the community is a fabulous way to have your business connected to the Games. e. Provide menus or other relevant information to local hotels to share without of town guests f. Purchase tickets and attend the sporting competitions at various venues throughout the city

8329 Fraser Avenue - Fort McMurray, Alberta - T9H 1W9

20. Who can I contact for additional information?

Please feel free to call the Games Office at (780) 750 8191 should you have specific questions that need to be answered. There is also and extensive FAQ section on the Games website at www.albertawintergames.ca

8329 Fraser Avenue - Fort McMurray, Alberta - T9H 1W9