Sport and Culture Generate Nearly $36 Million for Prince Albert Economy
Sport and cultural events continue to deliver significant economic benefits for Prince Albert, generating nearly $36 million in economic impact in 2025 through event hosting and the ongoing contribution of the Prince Albert Raiders.
For the first time, the City of Prince Albert has quantified the economic impact generated through events supported by the Destination Marketing Fund (DMF). In 2025, 56 regional, provincial, national and international events generated more than $23.1 million in economic impact, attracting an estimated 146,490 non-local visits and generating 19,618 hotel room nights.
The City invested $557,400 through the Destination Marketing Fund to help local organizations attract and host events. The results demonstrate how strategic investments in event hosting can generate significant returns for local hotels, restaurants, retailers and other businesses.
The Prince Albert Raiders provide another major contribution to the local economy. A recent Canadian Hockey League Economic Impact Assessment estimates that the Raiders generate $12.8 million annually for the Prince Albert and area economy through operations, tourism, employment, community investment and event hosting. That includes approximately $5.76 million from out-of-market attendees and another $601,965 from visiting teams.
Together, DMF-supported events and the Prince Albert Raiders generated nearly $36 million in economic impact, reinforcing the importance of sport and culture to tourism, economic development and community growth.
“The nearly $36 million generated through events and Prince Albert Raiders operations highlights the significant value that sport and culture bring to our economy, our businesses, and our community,” said Jody Boulet, Executive Director of Operations, City of Prince Albert
The economic benefits also extend beyond visitor spending. The Raiders raise approximately $75,000 annually for local charities and community organizations and support about 2,000 youth through local sport partnerships and development initiatives.
“The Prince Albert Raiders are far more than a hockey team. They are a year-round economic driver that attracts visitors, supports local businesses, creates employment opportunities, and reinvests in our community. The $12.8 million economic impact demonstrates the important role the Raiders play in Prince Albert's economy and quality of life,” said Michael Scissons, Business Manager, Prince Albert Raiders
Prince Albert's ability to host events is supported by investments in facilities, City services, partnerships with Sport Tourism Canada and Tourism Saskatchewan, the Destination Marketing Fund, and the work of local event organizers and volunteers.
Community volunteers are particularly important to the success of these events. Their contributions help Prince Albert welcome thousands of visitors each year while strengthening the city's reputation as a destination for sport and culture.
Additional work is underway to quantify the economic impact generated through Cooke Municipal Golf Course and the City's Arts & Cultural services. These results will be incorporated into future annual economic impact reporting.
2025 Sports Economy at a glance
- Nearly $36 million in combined economic impact
- $23.1 million from 56 DMF-supported sport and cultural events
- $12.8 million from Prince Albert Raiders operations and related activity
- 146,490 non-local visits associated with hosted events
- 19,618 hotel room nights
- $557,400 invested through the Destination Marketing Fund
- $75,000 raised by the Raiders for local charities and community organizations
- 2,000 youth supported through Raiders sport partnerships and development initiatives
The complete Economic Impact report can be found here: www.citypa.ca/ecdev
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For more information, contact,
Jody Boulet
Executive Director of Operations
