Media release

February events will create winter excitement for Calgarians and visitors alike, and a significant economic boost for Calgary.

January 31, 2024 (Calgary, AB) – As a proud partner in the winter festival, Chinook Blast, Tourism Calgary is pleased to bring an exciting lineup of world-class sporting events to Calgary this February. This never-before-seen lineup, dubbed Fan Zone February, represents a coordinated effort by Tourism Calgary to enhance the festival and position Calgary as a year-round destination for the benefit of visitors, Calgarians, and our local economy.

The sporting action happens from February 2 to March 2, 2024, and includes:

- Nitrocross, a combination of rallycross and big air excitement, will be at Stampede Park, Feb. 4 (please see updated event schedule including Fan Fest on February 3)

- The world’s best snowboard and freestyle skiers will compete for Gold in Canada’s only competitive halfpipe at WinSport during Snow Rodeo: FIS Snowboard Halfpipe World Cup, February 9-10 and Snow Rodeo: FIS Freeski Halfpipe World Cup, February 15-17

- The Olympic Oval welcomes the world’s top long track speed skaters during the ISU World Speed Skating Championship, February 15-18 

- The top women’s teams from across Canada compete to become Team Canada at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts at the WinSport Event Centre, February 16–25 

- Athletes from across Canada are here to compete in the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024, February 27–March 2 

Chinook Blast (February 2-19) is packed with family-friendly, free events and entertainment, along with several ticketed events at various venues. A Live Events Calendar lets you plan based on your interests or based on when you’re available. The spectator experience will be unmatched at these world-class events, providing Calgarians the opportunity to cheer on some elite competitors and athletes.

Among the free events, locals are encouraged to come out and enjoy the excitement in their city:

- Kids under 12 get free general admission to Nitrocross.

- You can take in the excitement of Snow Rodeo for free.

- Enjoy a celebrity curling match (12-1pm) and learn-to-curl event for the public (1-4pm) on February 4 at Olympic Plaza.

- Attend the Champions Celebration sponsored by Safeway to celebrate Special Olympics Athletes and medal winners March 2 (10am-1pm) at Olympic Plaza

“The sporting events during Chinook Blast are significant economic drivers for Calgary,” says Carson Ackroyd, Senior VP Sales at Tourism Calgary. “These events will attract thousands of spectators, participants, and event support staff from outside of the city and local hotels, restaurants, and businesses will benefit during what would be typically slower months.”

The Fan Zone February sporting events together are projected to attract thousands of spectators and generate more than $31 million in economic activity for the city.

An event-filled February is exactly the goal of Tourism Calgary’s seasonal anchor strategy, aimed at boosting the visitor economy during what would typically be slower months for tourism. As one of the founding partners of Chinook Blast, Tourism Calgary has been proud to work with local civic, community and arts organizations to nurture Chinook Blast as a pillar of winter activity. The festival has become an anticipated winter event attracting locals and visitors to the downtown area providing a boost of economic activity while supporting local artists and performers.

“Our team has worked hard with our partners to develop a winter festival lineup that will attract visitors, as well as Calgarians, to come and enjoy the city during the winter months,” says Jeff Hessel, Tourism Calgary’s Senior VP Marketing. “Chinook Blast has grown incredibly over the past four years, and we are excited to have a terrific line up of activities for our local community to enjoy and share with visitors this year. We hope you grab your coat and join us!”

About Tourism Calgary:

Tourism Calgary is the official destination management organization for Calgary's tourism industry. For more than 60 years, the organization’s primary purpose has been to promote Calgary and area as the destination of choice. With a vision of making Calgary the ultimate host city, Tourism Calgary markets the city locally, nationally, and internationally and advocates for its ongoing development as a destination. The organization hosts and attracts visitors, conventions and events, and activates the city by fostering the growth of shareable, memorable experiences. In 2023, Calgary saw an estimated 8.4 million visitors and a resulting visitor spend of $2.9 billion.

Follow Tourism Calgary on socials:

Twitter: @TourismCalgary

Facebook: Tourism Calgary

LinkedIn: Tourism Calgary

Media Contact:

Kelly Bowman

Vice President, Strategy, Research, & Communications

Tourism Calgary

587-574-7875

kellyb@tourismcalgary.com