Medicine Hat News
City hall will commit $1.25 million in cash and half that much in terms of city services toward a bid to host the 2026 Memorial Cup.
The item arrived at council late Tuesday night, passing by a 9-0 margin, with council members saying the sizeable amount would create a large economic boost in the city, plus provide a “significant” event for Hatters.
“It’s absolutely exciting and everyone in the city should be getting excited,” said bid committee chair Brent Sauer after a vote.
The Medicine Hat Tigers announced this summer that they intend to submit a final bid to host the event on Sept. 20. Up to five bids might be received from Western Hockey League cities, and a final decision on a host for the Canadian Hockey League championship tournament is expected in late November.
In a briefing, City staff recommend using $1.25 million in cash to help secure the bid, provide hosting cost and providing up to another $655,000 in “in kind” contributions, like use of the Co-op Place for the tournament, providing bus shuttle service and providing support to the bid committee with promotional material.
“It’s significant, but beyond the economic value to the community there is a cultural and historic element to hosting an event like this,” said Coun. Allison Knodel.
The Tigers have won two Memorial Cups and competed in five tournaments over 54 years.
Head of public services division, Brian Stauth said the city is prepared to help the non-profit bid committee in a number of ways.
“It’s a chance to promote the city in general,” he said, and “the Tigers are likely to have a very competitive team over the next two years.”
“I haven’t heard from anyone who is against this,” said Coun. Robert Dumanowski. “We can use some good news, hopefully we get some.”
Darren Hirsch said that along with a modern facility, the city’s hotel sector has matured since 2015.
“It’s an opportunity to host so many people from all over,” he said.
City public services officials cited a study done by Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops when the WHL Blazers hosted the tournament. It states 45 per cent of tickets were purchased by non-B.C. Residents, and the overall economic impact was greater than $15 million.
The 2024 Memorial Cup was held in Saginaw, Mich, and the 2025 edition will be held be Rimouski, Quebec. The Lethbridge Hurricanes have received a similar funding proposal from the city of Lethbridge.
