U of L, Co-op reach 25-year naming agreement for Sport & Wellness centre

By Lethbridge Herald on October 15, 2025.

Lethbridge Herald

A major building on the University of Lethbridge campus will have a new name.

The University’s Centre for Sports & Wellness will now be known as the Co-op Centre for Sport & Wellness thanks to a new 25-year, $4.25 million partnership between the University, South Country and Federated Co-op.

“This is one of the most significant community-based naming partnerships in our university’s history – a commitment that will strengthen wellness, recreation and sports for students and the entire southern Alberta community,” University of Lethbridge Vice President of External Relations Kathy Greenwood said in a news release. “Thank you to South Country Co-op and Federated Co-op, their leadership, employees and members for believing in our mission and in the potential of this centre.”

The building originally opened in 2007 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the University. More than 500,000 people utilize the facility annually from student-athletes to visitors from across the country. Several provincial and national championships have been held along with providing a training area for Pronghorn athletics. The facility is also open to the public. 

Beyond just the naming rights, the partnership will allow the University to enhance and modernize the facility along with the equipment and programming available. 

Neil Langevin, the executive director of Athletics and Recreation Services, says the partnership will help the community in the long term.

“Beyond the events and numbers, this building has always been about people. Students finding balance, children discovering sport, seniors accessing wellness programs and athletes chasing their dreams. This investment by South Country and Federated Co-op ensures that this facility remains vibrant, accessible and sustainable for the next 25 years. It is a partnership that reflects shared values of community, people and wellness.”

In addition with the University of Lethbridge Board of Governors $10-million matching program, a portion of the funds will be matched, establishing an endowment scholarship that will run in perpetuity providing financial support to students in need.