The brand new Fortis Canada Games Complex has officially opened.

The first running shoes are on the track and the first cleats are on the soccer field as athletes begin using the brand new $34-million facility, located behind the Aquarena.

The opening of the facility is being touted by the city of St. John’s as a “major investment in the future of amateur sport and athlete development” in the province.

Host society co-chair Karl Smith says athletes are excited.

He says the complex is going to be busy in the weeks leading up to the games, noting that the have a couple of loose ends to tie up, but “for the most part it is game on now, let’s get going.”