Economic impact of the IIHF World Junior Championship in Minnesota, 2026

Key findings

• The World Juniors hockey tournament generated significant economic impact in Minnesota:
  • Created an estimated $71.5 million in economic activity during the tournament from spending by game attendees, participants, and the host committee.
  • Supported 385 jobs and paid $21.1 million in labor income.
  • Produced an estimated $4.8 million in state and local tax collections.
     
• A variety of businesses and industries benefited from the tournament:
  • Arena venues, hotels, and local restaurants were among the businesses that most directly benefited from the events.
  • Other industries benefited, including real estate, professional and technical services, and administrative and support services. 
     
• Visitors (those who traveled more than 50 miles and/or stayed overnight to attend events) drove much of the economic impact:
  • Accounted for 73 percent (or $52.4 million) of the economic activity.
  • Spent more per person for their trips ($451) than local residents ($77.60).
  • Included spectators, teams, coaches, officials and broadcast personnel.
     
• The World Juniors hockey tournament drew people to the region:
  • Roughly one-quarter of all spectators were visitors.
  • Among visitors, 88 percent indicated the tournament was their primary reason for being in the area.
  • In addition to attending hockey games, people reported going to a local restaurant or bar, the Mall of America, and a local shop or shopping center.
     
• Minnesota has several assets that were appreciated by game attendees:
  • Responding to a survey, game attendees cited the quality of the event facilities, the friendliness of the community, and the dining options as the most enjoyable aspects of their visit.
     

About the report

Minnesota hosted the 2026 International Ice Hockey Federation’s (IIHF) World Junior Championship (World Juniors). The World Juniors events featured teams from 10 nations, each rostered with their country’s premier hockey players under the age of 20. The games were held at the Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul and 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis. The first puck dropped on December 26, 2025, and the games continued until the finals on January 5, 2026.

In addition to the tournament games, four Greater Minnesota cities hosted exhibition games, and the Twin Cities hosted the Bold North Breakaway fanfest.

The World Juniors games drew thousands of spectators to the Twin Cities who stayed in hotels, dined in restaurants, and shopped at local stores. Minnesota Sports and Events, the lead local organizer, was interested in understanding the economic impact of the activities in the Twin Cities and hired University of Minnesota to conduct an economic impact analysis. 

Read full report (PDF)