The 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota did not disappoint! After 10 days of the best major junior hockey in Canada, unforgettable moments, and great energy throughout the city, Kelowna is still buzzing from hosting one of the most exciting sporting events in the country. 

We want to recognize and thank the many businesses that embraced the spirit of the Memorial Cup. While fans packed Prospera Place, selling out the arena for each game, local businesses embraced the tournament atmosphere and found creative ways to welcome visitors, engage fans, and be part of the celebration. Whether it was creating a themed menu item, decorating a storefront, promoting the event on social media, offering a special promotion, or simply welcoming fans through their doors, every effort contributed to the atmosphere visitors experienced during their stay. Collectively, these efforts created a city-wide energy that was impossible to ignore, showcasing Kelowna at its very best and demonstrating the pride our community takes in hosting major events.

What made the experience especially memorable was the diversity of businesses that got involved. From independent retailers and local restaurants to wineries, breweries, accommodations, and attractions, businesses across the community found their own unique ways to participate and contribute to the visitor experience. For visitors, the Memorial Cup wasn't confined to the arena. The themed displays, welcoming messages, special offers, and event-inspired experiences helped create a sense that the entire city was celebrating alongside them.

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Engaging with major events like the Memorial Cup provides a valuable opportunity for businesses to connect with both visitors and locals while driving traffic through their doors, something especially important for tourism-related businesses during seasons that typically see less visitation. Simple, low-cost activations can make a meaningful impact in helping visitors feel welcomed and connected to the community. A sandwich board welcoming fans, a window decal display, or a themed food-and-beverage feature are easy ways for businesses to align with the excitement of an event without requiring a significant investment. These small touches help create a stronger connection between the business, the visitor experience, and the event itself.

Tourism Kelowna’s Memorial Cup Business Playbook program and community-wide initiatives, created in collaboration with the Downtown Kelowna Association and the Memorial Cup Host Committee, helped encourage local participation and gave businesses tools to show their support throughout the tournament. Window decals, promotions, social media campaigns, and fan engagement activities helped create a cohesive and vibrant experience across the city.

The 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota also highlighted the important role of sport tourism in Kelowna’s economy. Events of this scale not only generate economic activity but also leave a lasting legacy by increasing national exposure, strengthening community partnerships, and building momentum for future events. Additional information regarding the economic and community impacts will be shared once available.

As the final puck dropped and the championship celebrations concluded, one thing is clear: Kelowna didn’t just host the Memorial Cup; the entire community showed up to make it an unforgettable experience.