VANCOUVER – In preparation for the 2016 CIS Men's Basketball Final 8, the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre underwent another upgrade recently, receiving a brand-new hardwood floor.From March 17 to 20, 2016, the removable floor and venue will host the best university men's basketball teams in Canada, competing for the national championship banner and the W. P. McGee Trophy."It was an incredible feeling to walk out on to the court, knowing we were the first people to do so once it was assembled in the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre," said UBC coach, whose team has an automatic bid to the CIS Final 8 as tournament hosts. The Thunderbirds last hosted the CIS Final 8 in 1972, when they won the national title. "It really put the complete package together of why we're here and what we have to do. It was a just a special feeling and we're hoping this will be a special year for us."The Thunderbirds will kick off that special year on the weekend of Oct. 2-4, when the team hosts the annual UBC Invitational on the new floor at the Mitchell Centre."We're very excited to host the test event, it gives us a great opportunity to try out the venue and to be on that floor," said Hanson.The three-day, six-team tournament features UBC, Alberta, Guelph, Memorial, Northern BC and Ottawa. Three games will be played per day, with each to be capped off with a Thunderbirds contest. The marquee matchup of the UBC Invitational should be the Saturday clash between the T-Birds and the Ottawa Gee-Gees, the defending national championship finalists."It should feature some great basketball and it will give our fans a great opportunity to see a gorgeous court in a gorgeous venue," said Hanson. "It will be wonderful to play more games in there throughout the years and throughout this year. It will be a great experience for everybody."FULL SCHEDULE (all games at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre)Friday, October 23 p.m. – Northern B.C. vs. Memorial (N.L.)5 p.m. – Alberta vs. Ottawa7 p.m. – UBC vs. Guelph (Ont.)Saturday, October 33 p.m. – UNBC vs. Guelph5pm – Alberta vs. Memorial7pm – UBC vs. OttawaSunday, October 49:30 a.m. – Alberta vs. Guelph11:30 a.m. – Northern B.C. vs. Ottawa1:30 p.m. – UBC vs. Memorial