Kamloops slated to host soccer, swimming, track and field provincials in 2026-27

While he did not specify the events at City Hall, Fisher released more details in an email to CFJC Today.

He said the BC School Sports (BCSS) girls soccer provincials will feature 48 teams competing across the A, AA, and AAA levels.

“Normally each tournament is hosted in a different place around the province. In 2026, all three tournaments are together in Kamloops at McArthur Island Park and some additional local high school fields,” Fisher wrote.

Over 1,000 athletes from more than 40 schools are expected to complete at the tournament and they’ll be supported by 280 officials, coaches, volunteers and event staff, he added. About 600 spectators are also expected to be in attendance.

Fisher said the BCSS swimming provincial championships will likely feature an estimated 900 athletes from over 100 schools, supported by approximately 500 officials, coaches, volunteers and event staff.

About 500 spectators are also expected to be in attendance at the Canada Games Aquatic Centre for the meet, he added.

The largest event is expected to be the BCSS track and field provincials next year, with an estimated 2,300 athletes expected to represent approximately 250 schools. Fisher said they’ll be supported by approximately 1,000 officials, coaches, volunteers and event staff.

He also estimated the event will draw more than 2,000 spectators to Hillside Stadium.

In a statement to CFJC Today, BC School Sports said the soccer championships have been confirmed, though it noted that work to finalize the other two events is still underway.

Fisher also told councilors that BC School Sports has also expressed interest in a “multi-year commitment” to host events in the City of Kamloops, which promotes itself as the ‘Tournament Capital of Canada.’

“It says we would like to work alongside Tourism Kamloops and the City of Kamloops to have several events over the next three years to keep the costs low for our student athletes,” Fisher told council, as he read aloud a letter from BCSS.

“However, we do need support and collaboration from all parties to ensure we can bring the events to Kamloops and make them a great success.”

A BC School Sports spokesperson did not respond to a request for information about that potential partnership.

While Fisher called the upcoming tournaments “new wins,” he also said its part of the ongoing work to market Kamloops in the hopes of attracting new events and visitors.

“As amazing as some of these events are and as hard as they are to get, it’s not lost on us that we can’t simply flex a provincial soccer tournament or a provincial volleyball tournament,” Fisher said. “We can’t simply replace one meeting group with another meeting group or a movie production with another movie production or a travel trade group for another.”

“We need to develop and enhance the destination”

Fisher told council that Kamloops attracts nearly two million visitors per year, adding they contribute about $316 million in direct spending in the city.

“The overall economic benefit for the region is closer to $528 million, but it’s a lot of dollars. And it goes into the pockets of a lot of residents,” Fisher added.

“It’s believed widely throughout Canada that tourism supports one in 10 jobs in this country, so it’s a lot of people that live in your houses, in your neighbourhoods and on your streets.”

by Victor Kaisar

Kamloops slated to host soccer, swimming, track and field provincials in 2026-27

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