The gym at Breton Education Centre in New Waterford, N.S., was empty on Sunday, but soon it will be filled with basketball players and fans.
“I joke, ‘That day, we were more popular than Taylor Swift because we were sold out in about 8 minutes.’ It was pretty awesome,” said Aimee Romard, co-chair of the Coal Bowl Classic.
The six-day basketball tournament is returning for the first time in two years. It features teams from the local area, mainland Nova Scotia, Quebec and Ontario.
Players were checking in on Sunday and anticipating an event they've heard so much about.
“We've already seen some of the culture. It's going to be exciting to learn more, and then the games will be competitive with lots of fans,” said Owen Ross, a St. Mark High School player.
The experience is unique. All teams stay in make-shift dorms inside the school.
The classrooms transformed into accommodations, giving players a chance to bond off the court.
For the hometown BEC Bears, they feel they have a chance to come out on top.
“This year our team is looking pretty good and we think we have a chance to be the third team to win, so that's the goal for the week,” said Luke MacKinnon, Breton Education Centre Bears player.
This will mark the 39th year for the Coal Bowl Classic that has been a slam dunk in New Waterford for decades.
The tournament is steeped in tradition and is known among the basketball community across the country.
“It's a basketball tournament for sure, but we have people leaving here as players, coaches, and fans talking about the experience. It's like they're professional players coming into town and they're celebrities, and we want them to experience New Waterford and Cape Breton's hospitality,” said teacher Doug MacKinnon.
It's also good for business.
“We've got 250 extra people in town, so it does make a difference for our small businesses and I do think they were affected by that, so it's good for them that we're back as well,” said Romard.
Play begins on Monday with the tournament and finishes up Saturday with the championship final.
