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In just a few days, St. Paul will be in the global spotlight. The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship is coming to Minnesota, bringing the energy, talent and spirit of the best under-20 men’s hockey players in the world. And we are getting ready.
For 11 days, beginning Friday, Dec. 26 (Boxing Day for many of our international guests), the Twin Cities will be the center of the hockey universe. Ten nations, 29 games and thousands of fans will fill our arenas, restaurants, hotels and streets. They’ll come from across the globe to cheer for their countries, to watch the future stars of the NHL, and to experience winter in the State of Hockey.
As Team USA looks to win its third straight gold medal, and its first on home ice, the main action will be in downtown St. Paul. Grand Casino Arena will host preliminary and medal rounds, including the Gold Medal game on Monday, Jan. 5. Rice Park and RiverCentre will come alive with the Bold North Breakaway Fan Fest featuring outdoor rinks, bumper cars, bonfires, fireworks on New Year’s Eve, a makers market, food and music. Staff at our hospitality businesses will be gearing up to provide visitors with a great experience. It’s going to be a citywide celebration of sport, community and togetherness.
Even if you’re not a hockey fan, this event is important. Hosting the World Juniors is a big honor. It’s a testament to our facilities, our people and our ability to deliver world-class experiences. It’s also a powerful example of collaboration. Minnesota Sports and Events, Visit Saint Paul, Meet Minneapolis, and Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism are all working together to make this tournament a success. City staff, organization leaders, business partners and volunteers are part of an advisory council and work groups to make it a success. Together, we’re showing how partnership can build excitement, connection and positivity across our cities.
By working together, we’re expecting thousands of fans and hundreds of international media to come for the tournament. Events like this, which draw visitors to our city and provide new experiences for our community, have an outsized impact on our local economy. This shows why investing in our downtown entertainment complex — made up of the Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul RiverCentre and Roy Wilkins Auditorium — is so important. Modern, welcoming facilities do more than attract marquee events; they bring people to St. Paul, create jobs, boost the economy and keep our community vibrant year-round. This doesn’t happen by accident — it is the result of attracting both local and out-of-town audiences and is a major win for our city’s economy.
And the timing couldn’t be better. The World Juniors will take place between Christmas and New Year’s, which in most years is a slower travel season. This year, St. Paul will be filled with visitors exploring our restaurants, shops and attractions, bringing an estimated $75 million boost to the state’s economy. It’s our chance to shine, to show off our pride and to share with the world why this is such a special place.
