In an exciting announcement for hockey fans across Canada, Calgary and Edmonton have been officially selected as host cities for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, alongside Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The National Hockey League (NHL) revealed this news in a vibrant social media post featuring messages from NHL stars including Calgary native Cale Makar, Edmonton Oilers’ captain Connor McDavid, and Czech player David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins.
“I’m excited to announce that the 2028 World Cup of Hockey is coming to my very own hometown, Calgary, Alberta,” Makar shared in a message on X, reflecting the enthusiasm surrounding the event. Scheduled for February 2028, this tournament will showcase the top eight hockey nations in a thrilling best-on-best format.
Tournament Structure and Hosting Details
The World Cup will feature a series of round-robin games held in Calgary and Prague, while the semi-finals and finals are set to take place at Rogers Place in Edmonton. McDavid expressed his delight, stating, “I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that the semifinals and finals of the 2028 World Cup of Hockey will take place in Edmonton, Alberta.”
This prestigious tournament first commenced in 1996 and was last conducted in 2016 in Toronto, where Canada emerged victorious. The upcoming event is poised to attract significant attention, as fans eagerly anticipate the return of this international competition.
Economic Impact and Community Engagement
The joint bid from Calgary and Edmonton not only promises thrilling hockey but also substantial economic benefits. Organisers project that the tournament could generate an impressive $375 million for Alberta, alongside filling nearly 172,000 hotel rooms and creating over 43,000 jobs.
During the announcement, Alisha Reynolds, president of Tourism Calgary, explained the collaborative nature of the bid: “We did initially submit our bids separately, as was requested by the NHL and the NHLPA… But we put in something at the bottom of our bids that we call a love note, which was a comment that if there were an appetite to consider a joint bid that would create more movement, more economic impact, and more community engagement between two destinations — that we would love to take next steps in a conversation about that joint bid.”
This proactive approach was well received by the league, leading to the partnership that ultimately secured the tournament for Alberta.
Venue Preparations and Future Prospects
Calgary is set to host a total of seven games at the soon-to-be-completed Scotia Place, which is expected to open in the autumn of 2027. This new arena will boast a seating capacity of approximately 18,400. In Edmonton, Rogers Place will accommodate two semi-final matches and the championship game, with a capacity of 18,347 for hockey.
Stu Ballantyne, CEO of Rogers Place, noted that many cities were vying for the opportunity to host the tournament. “We never were exactly sure how many NHL teams were bidding on it for the North American tournaments… but we’re happy to have won,” he remarked, highlighting the competition faced by the Alberta cities.
Further details regarding participating countries, ticket sales, and other tournament specifics will be announced in due course. Hockey enthusiasts eager to secure their place at the World Cup can express their interest through the tournament’s official website.
Why it Matters
The selection of Calgary and Edmonton as host cities for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey is a monumental achievement that not only elevates Alberta’s profile on the international sports stage but also promises a significant boost to the local economy. This event will unite hockey fans from around the globe, showcasing the passion for the sport that resonates deeply within Canadian culture. As the tournament approaches, anticipation will undoubtedly build, fostering community engagement and pride in Alberta’s rich hockey heritage.
