Sport Hosting History
Lethbridge has a proud history of hosting successful multi-sport events, as well as many regional, provincial, national and international single-sport tournaments and championships. Our community is known for its enthusiastic volunteerism, with a large pool of dedicated volunteers and because of our recent history of hosting large-scale events, a wealth of organizational experience.
This is not an exhaustive list of events. This list highlights championships, noteworthy anniversaries, inaugural events, and special events. If you require a comprehensive list for the purpose of bidding, please contact us at [email protected].
Major International & National Sport Events in Lethbridge
Major International & National Sport Events in Lethbridge
- 2026 Tae Kwon-Do International World Cup
- 2026 Canadian College Baseball World Series - inaugural event 2002
- 2025 Canadian Junior Little League Baseball Championship – inaugural event 2010
- 2025 IPC Handgun Nationals
- 2025 U Sports/CCAA Curling Canada Championships
- 2024 University Challenge Cup - Ringette
- 2024 NADGT Canada: National Championships
- 2022 Tim Hortons Brier
- 2019 Canadian Junior Girls Golf Championships
- 2019 Mackenzie Tour - PGA Canada Lethbridge Paradise Canyon Open
- 2019 Canadian National Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Championships
- 2019 World Men’s Curling Championships
- 2019 U SPORTS Men’s Hockey National Championships
- 2018 Softball Canada Men’s and Women’s Slo-Pitch Canadian Championships
- 2018 Mackenzie Tour - PGA Canada Lethbridge Paradise Canyon Open
- 2018 Canadian Trampoline Gymnastics Championships
- 2017 U SPORTS Women’s Rugby Nationals
- 2017 World Mixed Doubles and Seniors Curling Championships
- 2016 Canada U16 Soccer Club National Championships
- 2016 Tour of Alberta Cycling
- 2015 Skate Canada International
- 2015 NSA Canada Co-Ed Slo-Pitch World Series
- 2014 Tour of Alberta Cycling
- 2013 Canada Soccer U14 Club National Championships
- 2013 National Female Hockey Challenge
- 2012 National Female Hockey Challenge
- 2012 Women’s National Amateur Golf Championships
- 2012 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Women’s Basketball Championships
- 2012 Ford World Women’s Curling Championships
- 2011 Football Canada Cup National Championships
- 2011 Canadian 3D Archery Indoor Championships
- 2011 U16 National Boys and Girls Club Soccer Championships
- 2009 Softball Canada Men’s and Women’s Slo-Pitch Canadian Championships
- 2008 Canadian Interuniversity Sport Women’s Rugby Nationals
- 2008 Canadian 3D Archery Indoor Championships
- 2007 Scotties Tournament of Hearts
- 2006 Canadian National Junior Judo Championships
- 2006 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Women’s Basketball Championships
- 2006 Canadian 3D Archery Outdoor Championships
- 2005 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge
- 2003 Canadian Senior Men’s & Women’s Curling Championships
- 2002 Canadian Little League Championships
- 2002 Canadian In-line Hockey Championships
- 2002 Youth and Junior Summer Swimming Nationals
- 2002 Canadian Juvenile and Midget Men’s National Basketball Championships
- 2000 Canadian Mixed Curling Championships
- 2000 Canadian National Judo Championships
- 1999 Canadian Men’s Team Squash Championships
- 1997 Canadian National Judo Championships
- 1995 Youth National and Swimmers with A Disability Swimming Competition
- 1994 National Men’s and Women’s Broomball Championships
- 1994 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Women’s Basketball Championship
- 1992 Canadian Pro Golf
- 1991 Canadian National Judo Championships
- 1990 Skate Canada International
- 1988 Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union Women’s Basketball National Championships
- 1987 Scotties Tournament of Hearts
- 1986 Softball Canada Men’s Slo-Pitch Canadian Championships
- 1976 National Old Timers Hockey Tournament
- 1969 Canadian National Judo Championship
Top 16 Events
Top 16 Events
1. Tae Kwon-Do International World Cup, July 4–5, 2026, Lethbridge Trade and Convention Centre
The World Cup welcomed more than 530 competitors representing 15 countries for two days of international martial arts competition. Over 80 volunteers and officials supported the event, while simultaneous matches, international teams, and enthusiastic spectators created an energetic atmosphere throughout the venue. Using the STEAM model, the event generated an estimated economic impact of $746,190 for the city of Lethbridge.
2. University Challenge Cup, December 27–31, 2024, Cavendish Farm Centre Arenas
Eleven collegiate ringette teams from across Canada competed over five days of pool play and playoffs. Games ran simultaneously on two ice surfaces at the Cavendish Farms Centre, with the championship and consolation finals held on New Year’s Eve. The tournament welcomed 281 competitors and 499 visiting spectators, generating an estimated economic impact of $1,004,869 for the city of Lethbridge.
3. Western Slam NCAA Division I Basketball, November 28–30, 2024, VisitLethbridge.com Arena
Four NCAA Division I men’s basketball teams representing four conferences played six games over three days. The tournament brought meaningful NCAA regular-season competition to Western Canada, with every game broadcast on ESPN+.
4. Lost Soul Ultra Marathon, Second Weekend in September. Since 1999, Coulee Valley Trail System
Run through the rugged coulees of the Oldman River valley, the Lost Soul Ultra features 50-kilometre, 100-kilometre, and 100-mile courses. Each 50-kilometer loop delivers roughly 1,200 meters of elevation change and 16 punishing hill climbs. The 100-kilometre and 100-mile races are recognized qualifying events for the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, one of the world’s best-known ultramarathons, helping attract elite ultrarunners from across Canada and beyond. In 2024, more than 65% of participants travelled from outside Lethbridge.
5. Junior Little League Canadian Championships, Since 2010, Spitz Stadium
Regional champions from across Canada join the host team in Lethbridge for more than a week of tournament baseball. The tournament determines Canada’s representative at the Junior League World Series and became a familiar summer tradition through 15 consecutive years in Lethbridge.
6. Tim Hortons Brier, March 4–13, 2022, VisitLethbridge.com Arena
Eighteen of Canada’s top men’s curling teams competed over 10 days for the national championship. Held just days after Alberta lifted most COVID-19 public health restrictions the event welcomed spectators back to the Brier and was praised by organizers as a well-run tournament that exceeded attendance expectations. It also delivered a significant economic benefit, generating an estimated $16.8 million in local economic activity.
7. PGA Canada Mackenzie Tour, June 17–23, 2019, Paradise Canyon Golf Resort
Professional golfers competed over four rounds in the Lethbridge Paradise Canyon Open. The tournament was played at Paradise Canyon Golf Resort, a scenic and challenging coulee course recognized by Golf Digest as one of Canada’s top 60 golf courses and rated the top course in Southern Alberta. In the lead-up to the main event, Paradise Canyon hosted a local qualifying tournament that awarded two Southern Alberta residents spots in the professional field. The course also welcomed 50 Indigenous youth for a golf clinic led by professional golfers.
8. World Men’s Curling Championships, March 30–April 7, 2019, VisitLethbridge.com Arena
Thirteen national teams competed over nine days of round-robin and playoff curling, featuring many of the sport’s leading international teams. More than 69,000 spectators filled the arena with energetic crowds, while international television broadcasts extended the championship’s reach to audiences around the world.
9. U SPORTS Men’s Hockey National Championships, March 14–17, 2019, VisitLethbridge.com Arena
Canada’s top eight university men’s hockey teams competed in a single-elimination tournament for the University Cup. It was the first time the championship was held in Lethbridge, with the host University of Lethbridge Pronghorns joining seven qualifying teams from across the country. The tournament attracted more than 11,400 spectators, making it a major regional draw.
10. Men’s and Women’s Slo-Pitch Canadian Championships, August 12–18, 2018, Softball Valley
Hosted in Lethbridge for the fourth time, the Championship brought together more than 600 athletes on 32 men’s and women’s teams from eight provinces for seven days of competition at Softball Valley. The 11-diamond complex allowed games to run throughout the facility and received strong praise from Softball Canada. Beyond the field, the championship generated an estimated $3.5 million in total economic impact for Lethbridge.
11. Canadian Trampoline Gymnastics Championships, July 6–8, 2018, VisitLethbridge.com Arena
The competition featured over 300 athletes, supported by 60 coaches and 24 judges, competing in individual and synchronized trampoline, power tumbling, and double mini-trampoline. Spectators witnessed remarkable aerial routines, with athletes reaching heights of up to 25 feet while executing complex flips, twists, and controlled landings.
12. U SPORTS Women’s Rugby Nationals, November 2–5, 2017, University of Lethbridge Community Stadium
Canada’s top eight university women’s rugby teams competed in an 11-game, single-elimination national championship. Originally scheduled for the Lethbridge Sports Park, inclement weather forced the tournament to move to the University of Lethbridge Community Stadium. Bringing together conference champions and national qualifiers, the championship was a featured event during the University’s 50th anniversary and showcased elite women’s university rugby to the broader community.
13. Canada U16 Soccer Club National Championships, October 5–10, 2016, Lethbridge Sports Park and the University of Lethbridge Community Stadium.
Originally awarded to Calgary, the Canada Soccer youth national tournament was successfully hosted on short notice by Lethbridge. Over six days, 22 boys’ and girls’ club teams comprising 393 players competed in 55 matches. For 273 of the young athletes, the tournament marked their first appearance in a Canada Soccer national competition.
14. Tour of Alberta Cycling, September 1, 2016, Downtown Lethbridge Streets
The tour’s opening stage brought 120 elite cyclists to Lethbridge for a 107-kilometre race made up of nine laps around an urban circuit beginning and ending at Galt Gardens in downtown Lethbridge. The repeated laps gave local spectators several opportunities to see the peloton, while televised coverage delivered massive global exposure by carrying images of Lethbridge to audiences in 161 countries.
15. Skate Canada International, October 29–November 1, 2015, VisitLethbridge.com Arena
Hosted in Lethbridge for the first time since 1990, the ISU Grand Prix event welcomed 56 international skaters representing 11 countries across four main disciplines: men’s and women’s singles, pairs, and ice dance. The four-day competition proved to be a major spectator draw, selling over 16,000 tickets and underscoring the city's capacity to host premier international sporting events.
16. Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games, February 19–22, 2015, Multiple Venues
Building on the legacy of hosting the inaugural event in 2009, the 2015 Games brought more than 1,000 visitors to Lethbridge. Guided by the theme "Warm Your Heart," the provincial showcase featured competitors from all eight Alberta zones across 14 sport, recreation, and cultural disciplines, promoting active living and community connection.
Event Logos
Annual Sport Events in Lethbridge
Annual Sport Events in Lethbridge
- Alberta Climbing Association Youth Bouldering Competition - since 2019
- Alberta Japanese-Canadian Provincial Golf Tournament - since 1952
- Bridge Bolt Speed Skating - since 2005
- Canadian College Baseball World Series - since 2019
- Chinook Throws Gala - since 1996
- Cliff Forry Senior Curling Classic - 27th time of holding
- Coulee Cactus Crawl - since 1995
- Floorbusters Lacrosse Tournament - since 2003
- Florence Senda Judo Cup - since 2012
- Iron Core Armwrestling event - since 2024
- Junior Academy Ice Breaker Baseball Tournament - since 2014
- LadiesFest 8k - since 2000
- LASC Fall Challenge -Swimming - since 2012
- LASC Spring Challenge - Swimming - since 2015
- Leth’s Do It Soccer Fest - since 2024
- Lethbridge & District CRPA Pro Rodeo -Whoop-Up Days - since 1904
- Lethbridge Bowbenders Iron Man - since 1992
- Lethbridge Highland Dance Competition - since 1979
- Lethbridge Police Services half marathon - since 2012
- Lethbridge Rebels Spring Invitational Tournament - Hockey - since 2019
- Lethbridge Soccer Winter Chinook Cup - since 2023
- Little Souls Kids Marathon - since 2006
- Logan Boulet Memorial Tournament - since 2019
- Lost Soul Ultra Marathon - since 1999
- LPSA One-Disc Golf Tournament - since 2021
- Mary Oikawa Memorial Baseball Tournament - since 2010
- Minor Basketball Battle at the Bridge - inaugural event in 2008
- Mitch Ball Memorial Baseball Tournament - since 2021
- Moonlight Run - since 1988
- Nations Cup Soccer Tournament - since 1994
- Oldman Backyard Ultra - since 2022
- PBA Showcase Tournament - since 2016
- PDGA Spring Runoff Disc Golf Tournament - since 2016
- Pirates of the Platform powerlifting event - since 2019
- Pro- Am Squash - since 2018
- Professional Bull Riders Canada’s Elite Cup Series - since 2017
- Quest for the Cup - 3-on-3 hockey - since 2012
- Ringette Fall Bridge Battle
- Ringette Spring Bridge Battle
- Ron Matthews Memorial Baseball Tournament - since 2000
- Rotary Club Dragon Boat Festival -since 2001
- Run for the Pumpkin - Fun Run - since 1987
- Shirtsleeve Bonspiel Championships - since 1940
- Sight Night Lethbridge - Fun Run - since 2024
- Skate Alberta Star #4 - Formally Chinook Open Ice Skating Invitational – since 1994
- Sun & Skate -Figure Skating - since 2024
Other Significant Sport Events in Lethbridge
Other Significant Sport Events in Lethbridge
Below is a sample of other significant events that have been hosted in Lethbridge. If you are interested in the full list, reach out to [email protected]
2026 Little League Divisional Championship
2026 Alberta BMX Rounds 3 and 4
2026 Alberta Provincial Roller Hockey Championships
2026 Calgary Surge Basketball home game
2026 Albert Senior High Schools Rugby 7’s Provincials
2026 Alberta Provincial Arm Wrestling Tournament
2026 Alberta Volleyball Premier 16U girls event
2026 Alberta Provincial 4A Basketball Championships
2026 Alberta Tier 3 Provincial Indoor Soccer U13 Boys and Girls Tournament
2026 Alberta Tier 3 Provincial Indoor Soccer U15 Boys and Girls Tournament
2026 School Sport Alberta 4A Provincial Basketball Championships
2026 Alberta Artistic Swimming Championships
2025 Canada West Swimming Championship
2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge - Game 2
2025 Sikohkotoki Odeo & Reconciliation Days INFR Qualifier Rodeo
2025 Alberta Men’s and Women’s Slo-Pitch Provincials
2025 Athletics Alberta U10,12&14 Provincial Track and Field Championships
2025 113th Alberta Men’s Amateur Golf Championship
2025 Alberta Provincial Roller Hockey Championships
2025 Alberta Schools Athletics’ Association Provincial Rugby XV’s
2025 Alberta Championship Motocross Series - Round 1 and 2
2025 Lethbridge and District Pickleball Tournament
2025 Alberta Volleyball Premier 14U girls event
2025 Alberta Japanese-Canadian Provincial Curling Bonspiel
2025 Alberta Provincial Xcel and Compulsory Gymnastics Championships
2024 Alberta Schools Athletics’ Association T4 Provincial Volleyball Championships
2024 Alberta Tier 2 Provincial Outdoor Soccer U17 Boys and Girls Tournament
2024 Alberta Tier 2 Provincial Outdoor Soccer U15 Boys and Girls Tournament
2024 Alberta E-Sports Championships
2024 Judo Alberta Provincial Championships
2024 Alberta Curling Mixed Doubles U21 Provincial Championship
2024 Alberta College Athletics Conference Women’s Volleyball Championships
2023 Alberta College Athletics Conference Cross Country Championships
2023 Canada West Women’s Rugby Championships
2023 Alberta Armwrestling Provincial Championships
2023 Alberta Provincial XCEL Gymnastics Championships
2023 Ringette Alberta Open C Provincial Championships
2023 Curling Alberta Provincial Club Championships
2023 Hockey Alberta Female U13B Provincial Championships
2023 Alberta Schools Athletics’ Association Provincial Wrestling Championships
2023 Alberta College Athletics Conference Women’s Basketball Championships
2022 Western Canada ITF Taekwon-Do Championships
2022 Alberta Treaty Hockey Tournament
2022 Hockey Alberta U15A Female Provincial Championships
2022 Ringette Alberta U14C Provincial Championships
2020 Alberta College Athletics Conference Men’s Volleyball Championships
2019 Baseball Alberta U13 Provincial Tournament
2019 Hockey Alberta PeeWee Prospects Cup
2019 Alberta Masters Synchronized Swimming Provincial Championships
2019 Alberta College Athletics Conference Futsal Championships
2019 Hockey Alberta Midget AAA Provincial Championships
2019 Alberta School Athletics’ Association Rural Provincial Wrestling Championships
2018 Alberta Major Baseball Divisional Championship Tournament
2018 Ringette Alberta Provincial Championships
2018 Alberta College Athletics Conference Men’s Basketball Championships
2018 Alberta Schools Athletics’ Association Cheerleading Provincial Championships
2017 Alberta Schools Athletics’ Association Curling Championships
2017 Alberta Basketball Wheelchair B Provincial Championships
2017 Western Canadian Football U16 Championships
2017 Minor AAA Little League Intermediate Divisionals
2017 Alberta Golf Senior Men's Championship Tournament
2017 Alberta Lacrosse Provincial Championships
2017 Alberta College Athletics Conference Indoor Track
2017 Peewee Hockey Prospects Cup
2017 Alberta College Athletics Conference Women’s Basketball Championships
2017 Ringette Alberta U14A Provincial Championships
2016 Swim Alberta Long Course Age Group Trials
2016 Wildrose Classic Synchronized Swimming
2015 Alberta Golf Junior Boys and Girls Championships
2015 Alberta Schools Athletics’ Association Provincial Track and Field Championships
2015 Alberta Gymnastics Artistic Provincial Championships
2015 Alberta Solstice 50M ISSF target shooting match
2014 Alberta Schools Athletics’ Association Provincial Badminton Championships
2014 Canada West Speed Skating Championships
2014 Mountain Regionals Synchronized Skating Championships
2013 Alberta Open Disc Golf Tournament
2013 Scotties Women's Curling Provincials
2012 Grey Cup 100th Celebration Tour
2012 Curling Alberta Provincial Senior Championships
2012 Alberta Air Gun Provincial Championships
2012 Twist and Flip Cheerleading Competition
2012 Alberta Cup – Bantam Hockey
2012 Wildrose Classic Synchronized Swimming Provincial Championships
2011 Western Women’s Football Championships
2011 Alberta Cup – Bantam Hockey
2011 Alberta Junior Lifeguard Club Pool Lifesaving Provincial Championships
2010 Swim Alberta Long Course Age Group Trials
2010 Canada West Swim Championships
2010 VANOC Olympic Torch Relay Festival - Lethbridge
2010 Alberta School Athletics’ Association Rural Provincial Wrestling Championship
2010 Hockey Alberta Atom AA Minor Provincial Tournament
2009 Provincial BMX Grand Championships
2009 Alberta Western Gymnaestrada
2007 Alberta BMX Indoor Provincial event
2006 Chinook Rodeo Association Sudden Death Finals
2005 Alberta Native Hockey Championships
2002 Canadian Little League Regional Championship
2000 Prairie Baseball Academy and Millennium Series
1999 Western Hockey League All-Stars
1995 National Youth Swimming Championships
1995 Superior Propane Cup National Championships for Swimmers with a Disability
1988 CIAU Regional Women’s Basketball Championships
1983 Western Canada Artistic Gymnastics ChampionshipsUpdated August 10th 2026
Multi-Sport Events In Lethbridge
Multi-Sport Events In Lethbridge
1975 Canada Winter Games
1981 Alberta Summer Games
1996 Alberta Winter Games
2001 Alberta Seniors Games
2005 Alberta Special Olympics Provincial Summer Games
2006 Southern Alberta Summer Games
2009 Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games
*this was the inaugural event for these games
2012 Alberta Summer Games
2015 Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games
2016 Southern Alberta Summer Games
2020 Alberta Summer Games *
*2020 ASG were postponed then cancelled due to a global pandemic