Thunder Bay’s upcoming indoor turf sports complex has officially been named the Tbaytel Multiplex thanks to a naming rights agreement with Tbaytel. The city council recently approved the name, with Tbaytel committing $500,000 for the naming rights, to be paid in $50,000 installments annually over the next decade.
During a media event, Tbaytel’s president and CEO, Paul Norris, expressed confidence in the community and the facility’s potential impact on all age groups in Thunder Bay. He emphasized the long-term recreational benefits the multiplex will offer, calling it a significant investment for generations to come.
Scheduled for completion in fall 2026, the Tbaytel Multiplex will feature a full-sized turf field suitable for sports such as soccer, football, lacrosse, and cricket, with an estimated construction cost of $36 million. Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff highlighted the multiplex’s importance in enhancing the city’s ability to host sports and various events independently and with financial stability.
The city’s exploration of naming rights opportunities extends beyond the multiplex to facilities like the Canada Games Complex, the Centennial Botanical Conservatory, and arenas such as the Fort William Gardens. According to Callie Hemsworth, the city’s supervisor of initiatives, marketing, and community support, the process is still in its early stages, and naming rights for facilities other than the Tbaytel Multiplex have yet to be secured.