World’s Oldest Surviving Basketball Court May Help Boost Small Town Tourism

Basketball may be a global sport. But its roots run deeper in Canada than most people think. In the small border town of St. Stephen, New Brunswick, a forgotten piece of basketball history is about to change the way people see this quiet community.

Tucked inside a weathered YMCA building, the world’s oldest surviving basketball court is sparking big plans. The hardwood floor, dating back to October 1893, survived a fire and decades of neglect. When researchers confirmed its age, it instantly rewrote history books, predating even the famous Paris YMCA court. St. Stephen now sits on a treasure, and locals know it.

The court has a direct link to James Naismith through Lyman Archibald, a colleague who carried the game to this corner of New Brunswick. That connection turns a small gym into a living museum.

Globe and Mail / IG / The court was uncovered in 2010 after a fire damaged a former YMCA building in St. Stephen, revealing a 132-year-old hardwood floor. Research confirmed it hosted games as early as October 1893.

Local leaders are working with CambridgeSeven, a Boston-based architecture firm known for creating the Naismith Hall of Fame. Their plan is far more than a static museum. They want visitors to walk on the original floor, interact with augmented reality exhibits, and feel the game’s history under their feet. The concept is bold, active, and built to draw crowds.

A Vision to Boost Tourism

The price tag is steep at $18 million, but the excitement is real. Big private names like the Irving and McCain families are already backing the vision. Phase one is underway, securing the property and getting design approvals lined up. This project has momentum, and the town is not slowing down.

St. Stephen is ready to turn its history into a year-round attraction. The town sits on key routes, including U.S. Highway 1 and New Brunswick Route 3, perfect for pulling in travelers heading to Nova Scotia or Maine. Leaders see bus tours, school trips, and basketball tournaments filling local hotels and restaurants.

Canada is known for ice hockey. But this small town is proving basketball has deep roots here, too. Hosting events tied to Canada Basketball could cement that reputation. Imagine a youth skills camp on the very court where the game grew up. That kind of story sells itself.

Residents see more than tourism dollars. They see pride returning to a downtown that has seen better days. Restoring this court means preserving a rare piece of sports history, and doing it in a way that breathes new life into their community.

Fundraising is Active

CambridgeSeven is shaping the experience with hands-on engagement. Forget dusty display cases. Picture digital overlays showing 1893 players running plays, or interactive exhibits that explain the game’s evolution. Visitors will not just see history, they will step into it.

Globe and Mail / IG / The court is iconic in and of itself. A 132-year-old hardwood surface that hosted some of the first basketball games in the world is a powerful draw.

Fans can stand where it all started, and that is something no other place can offer.

With fundraising still active, the next steps involve finalizing plans and breaking ground. Local leaders are confident they can make it happen. The mix of private donors, government support, and community drive gives this project a strong foundation.

Tourism experts believe this could be a model for other small towns with hidden history. A unique hook, tied to a popular sport, can put a place on the map fast. St. Stephen is ready to test that theory and welcome visitors who want to connect with basketball’s past.