Record setting attendance for major sporting events in Vancouver

VANCOUVER attendance continues to rise for major sports events with record-setting attendance at events in 2017-2018 and City of Vancouver sport hosting has won more events for 2019.

  • 28,017 Canada vs USA Women’s National Soccer Match (Canada Soccer Exhibition record)
  • 77,096 HSBC Canada Sevens (year over year increase)
  • 29,480 Rugby Canada vs Maori All-Blacks (Rugby Canada 15’s Exhibition Record)
  • 43,000 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships (Skate Canada 15 year record high)

And 3,000 complimentary tickets distributed by event organizers to youth and seniors in Vancouver.

Bids won:

  • 2016-2019 HSBC World Rugby Series – Canada Sevens
  • 2017 Ironman 51.50 (Sprint Triathlon)
  • 2018 Canadian Tire Skate Canada Nationals
  • 2019 International Skating Union (ISU) Grand Prix Final
  • 2019 IIHF Junior World Championships (hockey)
  • 2019 UCI Gran Fondo Qualifier Series and 2020 Gran Fondo World Championships

“We have the Vancouver advantage – a gorgeous spot to visit, enthusiastic fans, top notch technical expertise and wide range of world class facilities,” says Michelle Collens, Senior Manager, Sport Hosting Vancouver. “Vancouver residents love big public sporting events and they attend, participate, follow and watch them every chance they get and this support translates into a welcoming home crowd.”

“Through the Sport Hosting Vancouver program we strategically target professional and amateur sports events that draw large numbers of visitors, athletes, officials and spectators to Vancouver who spend money on Vancouver hotels, restaurants, shopping, transportation and contribute to taxes,” says Ty Speer, President and CEO, Tourism Vancouver. “The program is a smart investment for our community and we look forward to future successes.”

The Annual Progress Report is available at https://vancouver.ca/people-programs/sporting-event-grants.aspx

City Council approved the Sport Hosting Vancouver Action Plan on December 15, 2015, including the authorization for the City to partner with Tourism Vancouver, the Vancouver Hotel Destination Association, the University of British Columbia and the B.C. Pavilion Corporation.

Known as the Sport Hosting Vancouver Partnership, its mandate is to proactively identify a balanced portfolio of sport events that deliver significant economic and social benefits for Vancouver. Since its inception, the SHV partnership has expanded to include the Pacific National Exhibition as a strategic venue partner.