Olympic Oval set to host World Championships for first time in 25 years, February 15-18; Early Bird ticket rate available until December 31
CALGARY, ALBERTA – The world’s fastest long track speed skaters will hit the ice at the Olympic Oval this coming February for the ISU World Speed Skating Championships, marking the distinguished competition’s return to Calgary for the first time since 1998.
Cheer on Canada’s very best as they compete for World Championship titles and World Records on ‘The Fastest Ice in the World’ for the first time in 25 years! For as low as $10, fans can enjoy an up-close view of skaters racing head-to-head at speeds up to 60km/h in a race against the clock over distances ranging from 500m to 10,000m.
Joe Morissette, Chief Executive Officer, Speed Skating Canada.“We’re very excited to welcome the World Speed Skating Championships back to Calgary for the first time since 1998! The Olympic Oval has established itself as one of the favourite stops on the international circuit and we’re looking forward to once again hosting an event of this magnitude in Canada. Our team is working hard behind-the-scenes to help make this event memorable for everyone, both on and off the ice. We cannot wait for the stands to be packed with fans cheering on these world-class athletes as they skate for medals and personal bests!”
With a vibrant international crowd and many exciting activations in the works, the 2024 World Championships will be a perfect showcase for Canada’s most decorated winter Olympic sport. Fans are encouraged to take advantage of the 15% early bird discount valid until December 31.
- – General Admission tickets starting at $10 for kids, $20 for adults
- – General Admission seats are not assigned and occupied on a first-come, first-served basis. They are located in the corners of the oval.
- – Premium tickets starting at $20 for kids, $40 for adults
- – Premium seats are assigned and located in front of the finish line. Ticket holders will have access to snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
- – 4-Day Event Passes are available in both General Admission section (starting at $45) and in Premium section (starting at $120)
- – Children under age 2 that do not require their own seat will be admitted free of charge.
- – University of Calgary students can show their student ID at the on-site ticket office for a student rate.
Calgary last hosted the World Championships in 1998 where the legendary Catriona Le May Doan, Jeremy Wotherspoon and Sylvain Bouchard each captured a pair of medals on home ice. The Richmond Olympic Oval also played host to the competition in 2009, with Denny Morrison, Christine Nesbitt, Kristina Groves, and Clara Hughes leading Canada to eight medals.
Canadian skaters look poised to reach the podium on home ice in Calgary this February. After winning seven World Championship medals last season in Heerenveen, the team has already captured 13 medals on the World Cup circuit across the first four events of the season.
Leading the charge on the men’s side is sprinter Laurent Dubreuil, the reigning World Cup champion in the 500m and three-time medalist in the distance so far this campaign. Meanwhile, Olympic medallists Ivanie Blondin and Valerie Maltais are names to watch on the women’s side. The reigning World Champions in the Team Pursuit, alongside triple Olympic medalist Isabelle Weidemann, have both proven to be perennial medal contenders in the Mass Start early on this season.
For more information on the ISU World Speed Skating Championships in Calgary, visit speedskating.ca/calgary2024.
Speed Skating Canada would like to acknowledge the support and financial contributions of partners such as the International Skating Union, Government of Canada, Government of Alberta, Tourism Calgary, Intact Insurance and the Calgary Olympic Oval.