Are TRU Students Connected to Kamloops Sports?

Kamloops proudly calls itself Canada’s Tournament Capital, and for many students at Thompson Rivers University, local sports are hard to miss. From Kamloops Blazers jerseys around town to TRU WolfPack gear across campus, athletics are woven into the city’s identity. But how connected do students actually feel to that scene?

For JBryan Watkins, a TRU student, the connection is real, though it depends on the team.

“Since I’ve been at TRU, I’ve become pretty aware of the sports scene,” Watkins said. “It’s a huge Tournament Capital city, so you see Kamloops Blazers jerseys and TRU WolfPack gear everywhere.”

Tournament Capital sign on the north shore taken by Anthony Tucker on Jul 24th,2025

Watkins says the Blazers remain the biggest draw in town, pointing to their strong following at the Sandman Centre. At the same time, campus sports feel even more immediate.

“I’m definitely familiar with the Blazers. They’re the biggest show in town and have a massive following,” he said. “I also keep an eye on our own WolfPack teams, especially basketball and soccer, since they play right on campus.”

TRU students enter the Sandman Centre, taken by Anthony Tucker on Sept 20th, 2025.

That proximity matters. With the Tournament Capital Centre located beside academic buildings, student athletes are visible in everyday campus life.

“Local sports definitely feel like part of student life,” Watkins said. “The Tournament Capital Centre is literally right next to our buildings. You see the athletes in the cafeteria, so there’s a natural connection there.”

Attendance, however, is not automatic.Watkins has attended several games, mainly because of the social atmosphere. “I’ve gone to a few games mostly because the atmosphere is great for a night out with friends,” he said.When he does not attend, practical barriers often get in the way.

“If I haven’t gone, it’s usually because I’m buried in assignments or the BC Transit schedule didn’t line up with my classes.”

Players getting ready for puck drop at a blazers game taken by Anthony Tucker on Sept 20th,2025

Cost and community also influence decisions. “My decision to go usually comes down to cost and who else is going,” Watkins explained. “If there’s a student discount or a TRU Night, I’m much more likely to go.”While this is just one perspective, it highlights an important point: awareness of local sports in Kamloops is high, but consistent student engagement depends on accessibility, affordability, and social connection.For Watkins, the connection to Kamloops sports is there, but like many students, participation depends on timing, cost, and community. In a city built around competition and championships, the challenge may not be awareness, but turning that awareness into consistent student engagement.