The World’s Oldest Basketball Court in St. Stephen may soon become more than just a piece of history — it could be an economic powerhouse.
As plans unfold to restore the World’s Oldest Basketball Court and build a national basketball experience museum, organizers say the project could inject $7.8 million annually into the economy.
An economic benefit analysis, conducted by external consultants, revealed that the revitalization could attract visitors from major basketball markets, boosting tourism and supporting local businesses.
Richard Fulton, president of the World’s Oldest Basketball Court organization, said the significance of the court extends far beyond New Brunswick.
“This isn’t just about saving an old court—it’s about strengthening the economy and showcasing Canada’s deep connection to basketball on a global stage,” Fulton said.
Preserving history, driving economic growth
The court, first used on October 17, 1893, was rediscovered after a fire in 2010, reigniting local interest in its preservation.
The current plan involves renovating the historic structure and constructing a new adjacent facility to house a Canadian Basketball Experience Museum, an interactive exhibit space, and youth programming.
The project’s conceptual design, completed by CambridgeSeven, a firm specializing in heritage and sports venues, outlines how preservation and new construction will merge seamlessly.
Fulton said structural evaluations confirmed that while the building is stable, unexpected challenges could arise during restoration.
“We’re talking about a building that’s 150 years old—there will be surprises,” he said.
“But the sooner we uncover them, the better we can manage them.”
Fundraising progress and next steps
The team has already raised $2.5 million in private donations toward its $6-million private funding goal.
Fulton also added that applications for $12 million in provincial and federal funding have been submitted, but organizers stress that fundraising efforts remain ongoing.
“We have approached numerous businesses, foundations, and private donors who could support the project, either through contributions or sponsorship,” Fulton said.
“We’ve already seen strong backing, but we need more.”
While government funding decisions are still pending, detailed engineering work could begin by late 2025, setting the stage for construction.
Fulton’s vision: A skybox overlooking St. Stephen
For Fulton, the court holds deep significance.
He recalls the moment when he and a group of basketball fans sat on its hardwood floor in 2019, watching the Toronto Raptors win their first NBA Championship, with the game projected onto the wall.
“That memory will always stick with me,” Fulton said.
“You could feel the history around us as we watched the Raptors make history.”
Looking ahead, Fulton envisions an immersive basketball experience, including a skybox lounge perched on the third floor of the new building.
From there, guests would have panoramic views of the St. Stephen community and across the border to Maine.
“Imagine watching a Raptors game from the skybox and calling a local restaurant to send up a pizza,” Fulton said. “It’s going to be an incredible experience.”
Beyond its historic significance, the court’s revival is positioned to have a lasting impact on Canadian basketball.
The project aims to integrate youth training programs, mentorship initiatives, and a node of the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame.
“This isn’t just a St. Stephen project — it’s a Canadian project,” Fulton emphasized.
“Basketball is a sport that connects people across cultures, and Canada needs a venue that reflects its contributions to the game.
