TECA brings year-round sports and community space to Strathmore

By Melissa Crispin-Piche Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A new sports and entertainment space in Strathmore is hoping to give families a place to play, watch the game and spend time together without having to make the trip into Calgary.

TECA Golf Simulators & Sports is preparing to open its doors in Strathmore with a focus that goes well beyond golf.

For owners Terrill and Carl Carlson the idea started with family and the desire to create something local.

“My husband has worked in farming his whole life and we really wanted a place that (puts) family first,” Terrill said. “There’s not a ton of places in Strathmore that we found that we could go to with our kids or a whole family and participate in something.”

The couple found that many activities meant travelling to Calgary or elsewhere. As Carl prepared to leave farming the idea of opening a sports simulator began to take shape.

“He (thought), ‘This is something that I think I could really do,’ when he left farming and yeah, here we are,” she laughed.

Golf is a big part of TECA, but it is far from the only option. The simulator bays can also be used for bowling, hockey, baseball, disc golf and shooting. The facility will also have pool tables and cornhole boards. 

“There’s something for everyone,” Terrill said. “We really wanted to see someplace that people could go and watch the game and play around or just sit and watch the TV or whatever.”

The facility is also expected to be a popular option for children and families. Terrill said birthday parties have already been booked with kids interested in trying activities such as bowling and other sports that are not readily available locally.

Golfers will have plenty of options as well. The simulator technology provides detailed information about shots and distances and can be used for practice during the off-season.

TECA is also looking at offering golf lessons and leagues in the future.

“If people just want to go and practice their swing or practice putting or improve their game in the off season, then yeah, that’s also what we’re going to be able to (do),” Terrill said.

The simulators were selected after Carl and his friends spent time researching and trying different systems. The equipment comes from True Golf in Utah and offers thousands of courses from around the world.

The couple hopes that eventually TECA can offer leagues that mirror PGA and LPGA competition and give local golfers another way to stay active during Alberta’s long winter.

While the business is starting with its existing setup, the long-term vision is considerably larger:

possibly purchasing more simulators or even expanding their space size in the future. 

The company’s website describes its mission as building “a space people never want to leave.”

TECA’s sports lounge is intended to provide more than a place to use the simulators. The facility will offer a space to watch games and socialize. There is also a mezzanine area where customers can relax and enjoy drinks.

The facility will be licensed but Terrill emphasized that children and minors will still be welcome. 

As the opening approaches, the couple is working through the final inspections and licensing requirements. Once they are all cleared the doors will open. The couple is aiming for a Sept. 1 opening. A larger grand opening is planned for Oct. 10.