Calgary and Edmonton have officially been selected as the host cities for the much-anticipated 2028 World Cup of Hockey, alongside the Czech Republic’s capital, Prague. The announcement was made on Monday, generating excitement among hockey fans and local communities. Esteemed NHL players, including Calgary’s own Cale Makar and Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, shared their enthusiasm through a social media announcement, signalling a monumental event for Canadian hockey.
A Historic Tournament Returns
The World Cup of Hockey, a prestigious tournament that showcases the best national teams, is slated for February 2028. This year’s competition will see eight elite hockey nations battle it out in a format that promises exhilarating matches. Calgary and Prague will host the round-robin games, while the semi-finals and finals will take place at Edmonton’s Rogers Place, a venue well-regarded for its state-of-the-art facilities.
“I’m excited to announce that the 2028 World Cup of Hockey is coming to my very own hometown, Calgary, Alberta,” expressed Makar in his announcement. Meanwhile, McDavid added, “I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that the semi-finals and finals of the 2028 World Cup of Hockey will take place in Edmonton, Alberta.”
The last World Cup was held in 2016 in Toronto, where Canada emerged victorious, and the return of this tournament is generating significant buzz across the hockey community.
Economic Boost for Alberta
The decision to host the event in Alberta is expected to yield substantial economic benefits. Estimates suggest that the tournament could generate an impressive $375 million for the province. This economic influx is anticipated to fill nearly 172,000 hotel rooms and support over 43,000 jobs, providing a much-needed boost to local businesses and the tourism sector.
Alisha Reynolds, president of Tourism Calgary, revealed that the original bids were submitted separately per NHL guidelines. However, a strategic “love note” expressing interest in a joint bid turned the tide. “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, highlighting the collaborative spirit that ultimately led to the successful bid.
Venue Details and Future Plans
Calgary is set to stage seven matches at the newly constructed Scotia Place, which is expected to open in the autumn of 2027 with a seating capacity of approximately 18,400. The venue will host six round-robin games and one elimination match. Edmonton’s Rogers Place, which accommodates 18,347 spectators for hockey events, will be the site of two semi-finals and the championship game.
Stu Ballantyne, CEO of Rogers Place, noted 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 commented, acknowledging the competitive nature of the bidding process. “But we’re happy to have won.”
Details regarding participating countries, ticketing, and additional tournament specifics will be revealed in the coming months. Fans eager to witness the action can sign up for updates on the official tournament website.
Why it Matters
The selection of Calgary and Edmonton as hosts for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey is not just a win for the cities; it embodies a celebration of Canadian hockey culture and community spirit. This event will not only elevate the profile of Alberta on the global stage but also invigorate local economies, foster community engagement, and inspire the next generation of hockey players. As anticipation builds, it’s clear that the World Cup of Hockey will be a landmark event in the Canadian sports calendar, uniting fans and players in a shared passion for the game.
