The organizers of the Memorial Cup in Kamloops say the ten-day tournament at the end of May will be about more than just hockey.

Organizing Committee Chair Yves Lacasse says a lot has changed since Kamloops last hosted the tournament that features the four best junior teams in Canada back in 1995.

“We’re planning live outdoor concerts. We’re going to have a leadership speaker series. There will be activities for the entire family, so family fun zones, a Hockey Hall of Fame, and we’re also working on a ball hockey tournament,” Lacasse said on the NL Noon Report, noting there will be likely be a few more events that will be announced at a later date.

“Kamloops is known to be the Tournament Capital of Canada and our goal is to make Kamloops shine. We want to make this a first class event, something that Kamloops will remember for a long time.”

Ticket packages for the entire tournament went on sale today, Dec. 1, with tickets expected to sell out quickly.

The Kamloops Blazers will open their campaign on May 26 against the Quebec League champions. They’ll follow it up by facing the OHL champions on May 28, and take on the WHL champions on May 31.

If needed, the tie-breaker game will be played on June 1, with the semi-final on June 2, and the final on June 4.