Major Events and Sport Events hosting in Ottawa – Winter 2024

National Lacrosse League announces the Ottawa Black Bears franchise

Ottawa is welcoming a new professional sports team thanks to the National Lacrosse League (NLL). The Ottawa Black Bears franchise (formerly known as the New York Riptide) will begin an epic inaugural season in December 2024 at the Canadian Tire Centre. Learn more and stay updated with ticket information here. 

Rugby Canada returns to Ottawa this summer

Ottawa continues its penchant for hosting International Rugby as Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team faces off against Scotland and Romania this July 2024 at TD Place.

TD Place has been the host of International Rugby for three consecutive years with Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team playing against Spain in 2022 and Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team competing with New Zealand and Australia in front of record-breaking crowds at the 2023 Pacific Four Series.

This summer’s games kick off July 6 against Scotland and July 12 against Romania. You can sign up to receive ticket information here.

Atlético Ottawa unveils the Soccer Legacy Kit

Ottawa's professional soccer club, Atlético Ottawa, recently launched their Soccer Legacy Kit, an alternate jersey that allows players to wear Ottawa on their sleeves — literally. Ottawa Tourism’s “radiant O” branding was used in the vibrant design. The jerseys will be worn during Away games to help celebrate the team's connection to the Ottawa community.

Ottawa hosted Wheelchair Basketball Canada Women’s National Championship again

Women and girls from across Canada competed for the national title at Collège La Cité in Ottawa from March 22 to 24, 2024. The tournament format included the 5 v 5 National Championship and a 3 v 3 tournament.

The event was free for spectators, allowing the community to come out and support inclusive sports.

Local female athletes also participated in a free Development Clinic hosted by the Women’s U25 National Team Head Coach, Marni Abbott-Peter on March 22.

The Canadian Ski Marathon returned to the national capital region

Every second weekend of February, since 1967, the Outaouais region of Quebec hosts the Canadian Ski Marathon. This is North America’s longest-running cross country ski event and it welcomes skiers of all ages and abilities to register for personal ski adventures. Since this is not a timed race, it offers an opportunity for anyone to explore 12- to 160-kilometre groomed trails through the forests and lakes of the charming Laurentian Mountains.

Ottawa hosted the best in Canadian wrestling

On March 14 to 17, 2024, Ottawa hosted the Canadian Wrestling Trials at TD Place Arena at Lansdowne. The country’s top athletes competed for a place on Canada’s Wrestling Teams with the winners representing Canada at international events such as the Pan American Games and World Championships.

Atlético Ottawa signs homegrown Matteo de Brienne for 2024 season

Ottawa’s own, Matteo de Brienne, who was named the 2023 Canadian Premier League under-21 “Player of the Year,” is now signed to a one-year deal with Atlético Ottawa. There is also the option to extend it through 2025. De Brienne made his mark on the Canadian soccer landscape with an epic last season with Valour FC in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and is now returning to his hometown to solidify the city’s reputation for soccer excellence. Read more here.

Ottawa Tourism attended Sport Events Congress

National sports organizations, municipalities, DMOs and suppliers all dedicated to sport tourism gathered in Winnipeg, Manitoba from March 13-15, 2024. This is the largest annual event in the industry and is hosted by Sport Tourism Canada. Ottawa Tourism sponsored an unforgettable booth in Vendor Alley. On March 13, booth visitors were greeted by Devin Jenkins (Manager, Major Events & Sport), Laura Matley (Manager, Business Events) and Gold Medallist Olympian, Kyle Shewfelt. Shewfelt was the first Canadian to win gold in Artistic Gymnastics. Attendees had the chance to pick up a free copy of his book and get it signed by the writer and star athlete himself. 

The evolution of Ottawa’s Professional Women’s Hockey League

There’s a long legacy of women playing hockey in Ottawa. Discover the history that has led up to the creation of the PWHL’s Ottawa franchise on the blog.

• 2024 Ontario Artistic Gymnastics Championships – April 11-14
• 2024 Ontario Volleyball Championships – April 24-29
• 2024 Volleyball Canada 14U National Championships – May 2-5
• 2025 World Junior Hockey Championship – December 26, 2024 – January 5, 2025

• SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit – April 7-11, in Birmingham
• SportsPro Live – April 23-24, in London

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