In a landmark announcement, the National Hockey League (NHL) has confirmed that Calgary and Edmonton will join Prague as the official host cities for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. The news, unveiled on Monday, has sparked excitement among local fans and the tourism sector, marking a significant event for the Canadian hockey landscape.
A Groundbreaking Tournament for Alberta
The World Cup of Hockey, a prestigious tournament featuring eight of the globe’s elite hockey nations, is set to take place in February 2028. Calgary and Prague will host the round-robin matches, while the semi-finals and finals will be held at Edmonton’s Rogers Place. The tournament first debuted in 1996 and was last staged in Toronto in 2016, where Canada clinched the title.
Cale Makar, a Calgary native and star defenceman for the Colorado Avalanche, expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament’s return to his hometown. “I’m excited to announce that the 2028 World Cup of Hockey is coming to my very own hometown, Calgary, Alberta,” Makar stated in a message shared on social media platform X. Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid echoed this excitement, saying, “I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that the semifinals and finals of the 2028 World Cup of Hockey will take place in Edmonton, Alberta.”
Economic Boost for Alberta
The joint bid by Calgary and Edmonton is expected to generate a staggering economic impact of approximately $375 million for the region. According to estimates, the tournament will fill nearly 172,000 hotel rooms and create over 43,000 jobs, significantly benefiting Alberta’s economy.
Alisha Reynolds, president of Tourism Calgary, revealed that while initial bids were submitted separately as per NHL and NHLPA guidelines, the two cities included a “love note” in their proposals advocating for a collaborative effort. “What came back to us fairly promptly was they loved the idea and that they wanted to explore a partnership between Edmonton and Calgary,” Reynolds said during a press conference announcing the decision.
Infrastructure and Venue Updates
Calgary’s Scotia Place, the future venue for the Flames, is slated to open in autumn 2027 and will have a seating capacity of approximately 18,400 for hockey events. The arena will host a total of seven games for the World Cup, including six round-robin encounters and one elimination match.
In Edmonton, Rogers Place will accommodate the semi-finals and the championship game, with a capacity of 18,347. Stu Ballantyne, CEO of Rogers Place, indicated that while many cities expressed interest in hosting, the unique commitment required for the full tournament may have limited the competition. “We never were exactly sure how many NHL teams were bidding on it for the North American tournaments,” Ballantyne noted, adding that the successful bid reflects the strength of both cities’ proposals.
Anticipation Builds for Fans
Details regarding participating countries, ticket sales, and additional tournament specifics will be released in due course. Fans eager to attend the event can express their interest through an official form available on the tournament’s website.
The return of the World Cup of Hockey not only promises thrilling competition but also serves as an opportunity for Alberta to showcase its vibrant hockey culture on the international stage.
Why it Matters
The selection of Calgary and Edmonton as host cities for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey is more than just a sporting event; it represents a significant economic opportunity and an affirmation of Alberta’s status as a hockey hub. The tournament offers a chance to unite fans, boost local tourism, and celebrate the sport’s rich history in Canada. As the countdown to February 2028 begins, the excitement and anticipation among fans and stakeholders alike will undoubtedly continue to grow, paving the way for an unforgettable showcase of international hockey.
