Memorial Cup set to take over Kelowna
Graphic courtesy of the CHL.
CALGARY — 2026 Memorial Cup organizers unveiled a series of fan activations, local partnerships, and public events Tuesday as the championship tournament prepares to return to Kelowna for the first time since 2004.
The tournament, which runs May 21-31 at Prospera Place, will feature the champions of the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL alongside host team Kelowna Rockets.
While the on-ice focus remains the chase for the Memorial Cup — the top championship in Canadian major junior hockey — organizers are also positioning the event as a city-wide celebration tied closely to the culture and identity of the Okanagan region.
“The Memorial Cup has always been about more than what happens on the ice,” said Dan MacKenzie, president of the Canadian Hockey League, in a statement released Tuesday. “As we bring the event to Kelowna, we want fans and visitors to feel its presence throughout the city.”
Among the initiatives announced was the designation of the Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort as the tournament’s official host hotel. Organizers said the downtown Kelowna property will serve as a central gathering point for teams, media, fans, and league partners throughout the event.
The CHL also announced a limited-edition apparel collaboration with Okanagan Lifestyle tied specifically to the 2026 tournament, along with a series of public art installations across Kelowna during the event window.
A digital activation called “Captured at the Cup” will allow fans to upload photos and messages for potential use on the videoboard inside Prospera Place during games.
“Hosting the Memorial Cup is an incredible opportunity for Kelowna to showcase not only our passion for hockey, but the spirit of our entire community,” said Dave Rush in the release.
The tournament opens Friday, May 22, with Kelowna facing the OHL champion Kitchener Rangers.
The Memorial Cup annually brings together many of the top NHL prospects in junior hockey and stands as the pinnacle championship of Canadian major junior hockey.
Kelowna last hosted the tournament in 2004, when the Rockets captured the Memorial Cup on home ice.