Lethbridge enjoyed a major economic boost in 2024, thanks to a series of exciting sporting events that brought in millions of dollars to the local economy.
From the Western Slam NCAA basketball tournament to the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) women’s volleyball championships hosted by the Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks, the city was buzzing with sports fans and athletes alike.
According to a recent report, these events contributed over $18 million to the local economy.
“We know those dollars are being spent in hotels, restaurants, and local businesses,” said Dominika Wojcik from Tourism Lethbridge. “We keep seeing that number grow, which is fantastic for our city.”
Lethbridge Gaining Momentum as a Sports Hub
Despite missing out on hosting bids for the 2026 Memorial Cup and the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, Wojcik says Lethbridge is still on the rise as a top sports destination.
“We have the right facilities, dedicated volunteers, and passionate spectators. Everything needed to host major sporting events is right here,” she explained.
Wojcik added that Tourism Lethbridge is actively working to attract more large-scale events to maintain this positive economic momentum.
Real Impact Goes Beyond the Numbers
The Lethbridge Sport Tourism Impact Report revealed that only 62% of events (214 in total) were included in their calculations, meaning the actual economic impact is likely even higher.
“Last year’s number was just under $8 million,” said Susan Eymann, Executive Director of the Lethbridge Sport Council. “It wasn’t because there were fewer events, but because we collected less data. This year, with better data collection, the reported impact grew significantly. In reality, the total could exceed $20 million.”
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Small Events Play a Big Role
While major tournaments grab headlines, Eymann emphasized that smaller events also play a crucial role.
“Smaller events often have a fundraising aspect and give local athletes the advantage of competing at home,” she said. “Plus, with rising travel costs, hosting local events helps teams save money.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
Lethbridge has already hosted several key events in 2025, including the U Sports and Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association/Curling Canada championships and the Professional Bull Riders of Canada competition. Later this year, Lethbridge Polytechnic is set to host the ACAC soccer championships as well.
With a growing reputation as a sports hub and a thriving local economy, Lethbridge is poised to keep winning big in the world of sports tourism.
नमस्ते, मेरा नाम अमित वर्मा है। मैं हिंदी में सरकारी योजनाओं और स्कीम्स से जुड़ी ताज़ा खबरें और जानकारी साझा करता हूं। राजस्थान का निवासी होने के नाते, मेरा उद्देश्य आपको सभी सरकारी योजनाओं की सटीक और सरल जानकारी प्रदान करना है।