Kelowna's 'Year of Sport' generated almost $95 million in economic activity, city says
The Memorial Cup, Hoopfest, two B.C. Lions games, the B.C. Summer Games and Skate Canada International were included.
Five major sporting events hosted in Kelowna in 2026 generated almost $95 million in economic activity, according to a city report to be presented to council on Monday, Castanet reported on Saturday.
The city branded 2026 "the Year of Sport," hosting the Memorial Cup, Kelowna Hoopfest, Touchdown Kelowna, the B.C. Summer Games and Skate Canada International.
The Memorial Cup, held May 21 to 31 at Prospera Place, generated an estimated $15 million in economic impact, the city says. Hoopfest, a basketball festival with the Vancouver Bandits of the Canadian Elite Basketball League, drew 4,353 spectators to the city's first professional basketball game and generated an estimated $2 million.
"Major events benefit the city by attracting visitors who support accommodations, restaurants, retailers, transportation providers and tourism operators," the staff report says.
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