More than 6,000 fans took in the respective B.C. AAA boys and girls provincial basketball championship finals at the Langley Events Centre earlier this month.
During the boys final on March 16, 4,443 fans watched the Walnut Grove Gators capture their first title in school — and Langley — history with a 59-53 victory over the White Rock Christian Warriors.
And the week prior, on March 9, a total of 1,718 fans were in attendance to see the South Kamloops Titans defeat the Brookswood Bobcats 59-49. It was the Titans second straight provincial title.
"Generally speaking, we were very happy (with the numbers)," said Jared Harman, the LEC director of business development.
The boys tournament drew a total of 15,648 fans over the course of the five days. There were also another 25,635 fans who watched portions of the tournament online, including 4,584 on the final day.
All of the numbers represented an increase over the first two years of the championships, which just completed their third year in the LEC's arena bowl.
"For us, with the boys tournament, our goal is to increase the attendance every year, which were able to accomplish," Harman said.
The girls tournament, which is contested in the gymnasium, came to the LEC for the first time in 2013.
A total of 4,688 fans watched the action live over the four days while an additional 8,024 viewed the event online via webcast.
The LEC also hosted the B.C. junior girls provincial tournament with 2,510 fans in attendance and another 5,897 who accessed the action online.
In the championship final, it was W.J. Mouat defeating St. Thomas More.
Next year, all three tournaments will once again be contested at the LEC, as will a fourth event, the B.C. junior boys provincial championships.
Harman said they have received great feedback, especially from the athletes.
"Our primary goal is to make sure the athletes have a wonderful experience," he said
Ron Hole/Langley Events Centre
A crowd of 4,443 fans took in the B.C. boys AAA basketball championship final at the Langley Events Centre on March 16.