Elite international hockey is returning to Alberta.
The province won the bid to host the World Cup of Hockey 2028, securing the tournament for Calgary and Edmonton.
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The successful bid, announced March 16, marks the largest international sporting event for the province since the 1988 Winter Olympics. Alberta is scheduled to host 10 games during the tournament.
“Alberta is the right choice,” Premier Danielle Smith said in a statement. “This bid was earned; few places in the world live and breathe hockey the way Alberta does. Fans will have the chance to watch Team Canada take back its place at the top of international hockey on home ice.”
The event is expected to be a significant economic driver. Officials estimate the tournament will generate $375 million in economic activity. It has the potential to support more than 43,000 jobs and account for nearly 172,000 hotel room nights.
The Cost of the Game
The provincial government has committed $15 million to secure the tournament. An additional $5 million for rights fees was collectively pledged by Tourism Calgary, Explore Edmonton, and the two host cities, with Calgary and Edmonton contributing $2.5 million each.
The bid was a joint effort between the provincial government, municipal tourism agencies, OEG Sports & Entertainment and the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC).
“We look forward to showcasing Scotia Place and delivering an exceptional experience for players and fans,” said Robert Hayes, president and CEO of CSEC.
A ‘Best-on-Best’ Showcase
The World Cup of Hockey features NHL players in a “best-on-best” international format. Stuart Ballantyne, president of OEG Sports & Entertainment, noted there is “no better place than Alberta” for the event, citing the province’s high-energy fan base and infrastructure, including Edmonton’s Ice District.
Tourism officials view the 2028 tournament as a pivotal step toward Alberta’s goal of growing annual visitor spending to $25 billion by 2035.
“Next to the Olympics, the World Cup of Hockey stands among the most prestigious international sporting events a city can host,” said Alisha Reynolds, president and CEO of Tourism Calgary.
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