Memorial Cup generated $50.9 million for Kelowna region

The 2026 Memorial Cup generated an estimated $50.9 million in new spending across Greater Kelowna, setting a record for the tournament’s economic impact on a host community, according to a study commissioned by the Canadian Hockey League.

The 11-day tournament ran May 21 to 31 at Prospera Place, drawing 47,780 ticket sales and sellout crowds as the Kelowna Rockets hosted the Canadian junior hockey championship. The Kitchener Rangers won their third Memorial Cup title.

The study, conducted by T1 Agency and based on more than 500 survey responses, found many visiting fans stayed for a week or longer and spent money on local tourism experiences, including winery tours, golf, boating and hiking.

Beyond visitor spending, the tournament generated $137,000 in charitable contributions and scholarship funding. That includes $50,000 for Kelowna Minor Hockey to help families with registration and equipment costs, and $37,000 for the Child and Youth Advocacy Centre of Kelowna.

Another $50,000 will support students at UBC Okanagan and Okanagan College through the Memorial Cup Legacy Scholarship Program over the next five years.

The event also helped drive $3.8 million in upgrades to Prospera Place, funded by the City of Kelowna. Improvements included a new centre-hung LED video board, upgraded sound system, more than 75 new screens, arena-wide Wi-Fi, two electric ice resurfacers and improved media facilities.

The Canadian Hockey League says the upgrades will benefit the Rockets, other arena users and future events.

The 2027 Memorial Cup will be hosted by the Guelph Storm in Guelph, Ontario, from May 20 to 30.