FIFA 2026 in Edmonton could generate millions in economic spinoff
CBC
The province could reap economic benefits for years if Edmonton wins its bid to co-host the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament in 2026, Explore Edmonton says.
The city corporation, mandated with attracting visitors and events to the city, estimates the bid could translate to $750 million in economic impact.
"Our projections are conservative," Daniel St. Pierre, director of strategic communications, told CBC News Wednesday. "We estimate that this will bring about $750 million, give or take, into Alberta in economic impact."
The analysis includes revenue from hotel, hospitality and retail industries, St. Pierre said.
"It's 2026 but it's also four years of being a host city," he said. "Promoting, leveraging, being a host city to actually bring visitation over the next four years."
Upgrades to Commonwealth Stadium, part of the deal for Edmonton to be a host city, will attract more international events in future, St. Pierre said.
The city plans to replace the artificial turf at Commonwealth with real grass, renovate the washroom and concession areas, replace the video screen and upgrade the field lighting, the city says.
The Government of Alberta committed $110 million to the bid on Tuesday.
Toronto and Vancouver have also bid to host games, along with cities in the United States and Mexico.
Mayor Amarjeet Sohi is confident Edmonton has a fighting chance to be one of the Canadian host cities, having a proven track record of hosting international events.
"We have demonstrated to supporting agencies that we can do it and we do it with absolute dedication," Sohi said in a news conference Wednesday. "We have the amenities and the facilities to meet the high standards of FIFA."
Edmonton hosted part of the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2015, the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada in 2007 and the FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship Canada in 2002.
Getting financial commitment from the three levels is key to advancing the city's chances, St. Pierre noted.
"It strengthens the bid," he said. "It strengthens our position going into the selection process."
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