Alberta will host part of the World Cup of Hockey 2028, bringing one of the sport’s premier international tournaments to Calgary and Edmonton after the province secured the successful bid over several major North American destinations.

The event, scheduled for February 2028, will feature 17 games overall. Alberta will host 10 of those contests, with seven played at Scotia Place in Calgary and three at Rogers Place, including the two semifinal games and the championship.

Officials say the tournament will be the largest international sporting event held in the province since the 1988 Winter Olympics.

Premier Danielle Smith said Alberta’s strong hockey culture helped secure the bid.

“This bid was earned; few places in the world live and breathe hockey the way Alberta does,” Smith said in a statement. “In 2028, the world will be watching Calgary and Edmonton as Alberta hosts one of the sport’s biggest international events.”

The bid was assembled through a partnership that included the Government of Alberta, Explore Edmonton, Tourism Calgary, OEG Sports & Entertainment and the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation.

Provincial officials estimate the tournament will generate about $375 million in economic activity, support more than 43,000 jobs and result in nearly 172,000 hotel room nights across the province.

Tourism and Sport Minister Andrew Boitchenko said hosting the event will boost the economy while showcasing Alberta internationally.

“This event will boost our local economy, showcase Alberta’s passion and hospitality on the international stage, and unite our communities in celebration,” Boitchenko said.

The province committed $15 million to secure the tournament, while Calgary and Edmonton each contributed $2.5 million toward the rights fee through their tourism agencies and municipal governments.

The tournament will be the fourth edition of the World Cup of Hockey, following previous events in 1996, 2004 and 2016. Prague, in Czechia, will host the remaining seven games as the European partner city.

Officials say the event is expected to draw fans, players and media from around the world and further strengthen Alberta’s reputation as a sports tourism destination.

Source: Government of Alberta.