Calgary is a city built for sport. It's a place where athletes chase their most ambitious dreams, and all Calgarians enjoy year-round opportunities to play, watch and celebrate the sports they love.
Fueled by major infrastructure investments and a growing roster of professional teams, Calgary’s sport economy is emerging as a powerful driver of tourism, job creation and city vibrancy. With younger fans 1.4 times more likely than older fans to attend a live sporting event at least once a month, the appetite for sports in Calgary is only growing.
“Sports are now about more than just watching a game — they're a vital part of our economy, cultural identity and how we come together as a community. By investing in world-class venues and unforgettable live experiences, Calgary is creating more opportunities for people to participate in and enjoy their favourite sports,” said Brad Parry, President and CEO of Calgary Economic Development.
One of the most transformative developments on the horizon is Scotia Place, a new $1.2 billion events centre set to be completed by summer 2027. Anchoring the Culture + Entertainment District, Scotia Place will feature an NHL arena, community rink, shops and outdoor plaza — creating a new hub for sports and entertainment.
From hockey and soccer to basketball, lacrosse and football, sports in the Blue Sky City show no signs of slowing down.
Calgary’s expanding lineup of professional sports teams
With a mix of emerging teams and long-standing franchises, Calgary’s growing sports scene offers year-round excitement for fans. Here's a look at the teams driving that momentum:
Basketball
The Calgary Surge, part of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), tipped off their inaugural season in May 2023 and have quickly built a loyal fan base since their arrival. Playing at the WinSport Event Centre, the Surge are helping grow the game of basketball and inspire youth participation citywide.
Football
The Calgary Stampeders are one of the city’s most iconic and storied teams — having played their first game in 1945. Part of the Canadian Football League (CFL), the Stampeders unite generations of fans at their home games at McMahon Stadium.
Hockey
Home to three major teams, hockey has deep roots in Calgary. The Calgary Flames, the city's National Hockey League (NHL) team, have resided in the well-known and loved Scotiabank Saddledome since the 1980s.
In 2022, the Calgary Wranglers, the Flames’ AHL affiliate, made a triumphant return to the city after relocating from Stockton, California. Calgary’s hockey ecosystem also includes the Calgary Hitmen, a Canadian junior ice hockey team in the Western Hockey League (WHL), who are popular among families and younger fans.
Lacrosse
Also residing in the Saddledome are the Calgary Roughnecks, a team in the National Lacrosse League (NLL). As Canada’s national summer sport, lacrosse continues to grow in popularity thanks to the fast-paced, high-energy games.
Looking ahead, the Roughnecks, Flames, Wranglers and Hitmen are set to move into Scotia Place for the 2027–28 season.
Soccer
Cavalry Football Club (Cavalry FC), a Canadian Premier League (CPL) team, plays its home matches at the ATCO Field at Spruce Meadows. The team has quickly become a fan favourite — showcasing elite talent, growing the sport’s popularity and fostering a strong soccer culture in the city.
In a major win for women’s soccer, Calgary Wild FC had their inaugural season in 2025 as one of the founding teams in the Northern Super League (NSL) — Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league. Playing home matches at McMahon Stadium, Calgary Wild FC is creating new opportunities for female athletes to compete at the highest level.
Sport Calgary: Helping Calgarians get in the game
The city’s appetite for sport is undeniable, with thousands of Calgarians participating in recreational and club leagues year-round. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just looking to try something new, Sport Calgary makes it easier than ever to get involved.
“Calgary is a sport city, carrying forward the legacy of the 1988 Olympic Games. From outdoor activities year-round to registered, recreational, or competitive sports, there’s truly something for everyone,” said Catriona Le May Doan, President and CEO, Sport Calgary.
“With world-class sport facilities and incredible outdoor spaces, Calgary welcomes newcomers and high-performance athletes alike. Events like All Sport Days give everyone a chance to try something new, get active, and help Sport Calgary build a healthier, more inclusive, and active community.”
Sport Calgary’s sport directory for community leagues lists over 90 different sports, with additional options added every few months. From pickleball to volleyball, skiing and more, you can discover local teams and find the right sport for you.
For more on Calgary’s professional sports experience, check out Tourism Calgary’s Ultimate Guide to Calgary’s Pro Sports Teams.
Learn why building a healthy, vibrant city that has year-round experiences everyone can enjoy is a priority in the community's economic action plan, Uplook.
