Calgary and Edmonton have officially been selected as the Canadian host cities for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, a prestigious tournament that will also include Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The announcement was made by the NHL on Monday, with prominent figures in the sport, including Calgary-born star Cale Makar, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, and Boston Bruins player David Pastrnak expressing their excitement on social media.
A Historic Tournament Returns
The World Cup of Hockey, which showcases the top eight hockey nations in a thrilling best-on-best format, will take place in February 2028. Calgary and Prague are set to host the round-robin matches, while the semi-finals and finals are scheduled for Rogers Place in Edmonton. McDavid shared his enthusiasm, 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 tournament marks a significant return, having last been held in 2016 in Toronto, where Team Canada clinched the title. The event’s debut occurred in 1996, and its revival has been highly anticipated by hockey fans worldwide.
The Economic Impact for Alberta
The tournament is expected to have a considerable economic impact, projected to generate approximately $375 million for Alberta. This will support local businesses, fill nearly 172,000 hotel rooms, and create over 43,000 jobs in the region. Alisha Reynolds, president of Tourism Calgary, explained that the initial bid was submitted separately by both cities, but a collaborative approach was encouraged. “What came back to us fairly promptly was they loved the idea and that they wanted to explore a partnership between Edmonton and Calgary,” she stated.
Plans indicate that Calgary will host a total of seven games at the new Scotia Place, which is anticipated to open in the fall of 2027 with a capacity of around 18,400. Edmonton, on the other hand, will cater to two semi-finals and the championship match at Rogers Place, which accommodates 18,347 fans for hockey games.
A Competitive Bid
Stu Ballantyne, CEO of Rogers Place, remarked on the competitive nature of the bidding process, noting that numerous cities expressed interest in hosting the tournament. “We never were exactly sure how many NHL teams were bidding on it for the North American tournaments,” he said. The logistical challenges, particularly the 20-day commitment required for hosting the entire tournament, limited participation from several cities, ultimately paving the way for Calgary and Edmonton’s successful bid.
Further details regarding the participating countries, ticket sales, and additional tournament logistics will be released at a later date. Fans eager to secure their place at this monumental event are encouraged to fill out an interest form on the tournament’s official website.
Why it Matters
The selection of Calgary and Edmonton as joint hosts for the World Cup of Hockey not only highlights the growing prominence of hockey in Canada but also promises to foster a sense of community and pride in Alberta. The economic boost will contribute to the local economy while reinforcing the province’s status as a pivotal location for international sports events. This tournament could serve as a catalyst for future collaborations between Alberta cities, enhancing their global sporting profile and creating lasting memories for fans and athletes alike.
