Alberta's Major Cities Await Decision on Hosting 2028 World Cup of Hockey
Albertans are poised to learn within the coming weeks whether the province's two largest urban centers will be selected to host the prestigious 2028 World Cup of Hockey. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman made this announcement during a recent visit to Calgary, heightening anticipation across the region.
Bid Details Under Wraps as Decision Nears
During a news conference held at the Saddledome on Tuesday afternoon, Bettman opted not to reveal specific details regarding the joint bid submitted by Calgary and Edmonton. However, he expressed optimism that discussions could be finalized shortly, with an official announcement expected to follow soon after. "Certainly, it's a bid people could be very proud of," Bettman remarked when asked to characterize the proposal.
A Historic Opportunity for Alberta
Should the bid receive approval, it would represent a significant milestone for Alberta. While the province has previously hosted multiple junior hockey championships and a women's world hockey championship, it has never been the site for a hockey World Cup event. This tournament is scheduled for February 2028 and will feature eight of the top hockey nations globally, with NHL players anticipated to participate.
Canada, which claimed gold in the last World Cup held in 2016 in Toronto and also triumphed at last year's 4 Nations Face-Off in Montreal, would be a key contender in the 2028 competition.
Provincial Support and Economic Implications
Premier Danielle Smith confirmed on Monday that the Alberta government has pledged $15 million to support the bid, emphasizing it as a collaborative effort between Calgary and Edmonton. "It would be exciting," Smith stated. "We're crossing our fingers and hoping that the NHL Players' Association and the owners make a decision on the bid." She noted that the event, occurring just before the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, is considered the second-most watched sporting event in the world.
Bettman highlighted the economic benefits associated with such events, particularly in relation to Calgary's new Scotia Place event centre, which is set to replace the aging Scotiabank Saddledome. Scheduled for completion in time for the 2027-28 NHL season, the arena is expected to be ready for the World Cup. "They are economic engines," Bettman explained. "It creates an economic ripple effect, because if an arena is being used 80 nights a year, but you upgraded and now it's 200 nights a year, more people are coming downtown and going to restaurants and going shopping."
Local Enthusiasm and Strategic Investments
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas described the prospect as "very exciting" and pointed to it as validation for investments in the new event centre. "Calgary is going to continue to be competitive for competitions like this, not just hockey, but other competitions in winter sports and other growth industries like the visitor economy and tourism," he told reporters. Farkas added that the decision ultimately "has to come down to the business case."
As the wait continues, stakeholders across Alberta remain hopeful that the bid will succeed, bringing international attention and economic stimulation to the province through one of hockey's premier global tournaments.
