Touchdown Kelowna brings $60M boost as downtown businesses see big benefit
Thousands in attaendance for the watch party, Saturday. (Image Credit: Liam Verster)
The Okanagan’s hospitality and tourism sector is reporting a major lift after a 10-day sports and entertainment stretch that brought the B.C. Lions to Kelowna and filled hotels, restaurants and the downtown core with thousands of visitors.
The provincial government estimates the “Touchdown Kelowna” initiative, which included two CFL games hosted at the Apple Bowl due to FIFA World Cup scheduling at B.C. Place, generated roughly $60 million in economic activity.
Local business owners in downtown Kelowna said the impact was immediate, with steady foot traffic and packed dining rooms throughout the event window as fans, staff and visitors flowed through the city.
More than 18,000 spectators attended the Lions’ final game at the Apple Bowl, where the team picked up a 36-24 win over the Edmonton Elks to close out their Okanagan stay.
While the on-field result marked the Lions’ first win of the 2026 CFL season after an 0-3 start, the broader focus in the region has been the economic ripple effect.
Restaurants and bars in the downtown core reported some of their busiest nights of the summer so far, with operators crediting the influx of out-of-town visitors and game-day crowds for the spike in business.
The Lions’ temporary relocation to the Okanagan was required due to FIFA World Cup use of B.C. Place in Vancouver, forcing the CFL club to stage two home games in Kelowna as part of the larger city-wide event programming.
Provincial officials say the combined sports and entertainment push has highlighted the Okanagan’s capacity to host major events, while delivering measurable economic benefits across multiple sectors.
