Touchdown Kelowna part of strong start to peak tourist season

Bringing two CFL games to Kelowna was a good thing for more than just football fans.

The BC Lions came to town to play two games and the Downtown Kelowna Association’s events manager Cassandra Wysochansky said both games were a big hit for local business.

“With the Touchdown Kelowna the fan zone downtown here at Rhapsody Plaza, in addition to all of the other wonderful events that are happening… the businesses and the community definitely spent a lot more time down here,” she said.

The BC Lions lost to the Calgary Stampeders in the first game on June 27 but picked up a win against the Edmonton Elks this past weekend. The games were extended into a nine-day festival with a fan experience centre with booths set up downtown.

The province estimated the economic benefit of the Touchdown Kelowna festival would be $60 million from the 35,000 fans drawn to the games.

The numbers aren’t officially in yet, but Wysochansky said members told her that there was a spike in business because of Touchdown Kelowna and other events this past week.

“One business I ran into said, ‘we’re anticipating a $10,000 day,’ and that’s pretty great for a restaurant for one day,” she said.

Wysochansky said figuring out whether the football games hit the expected $60 million could be tricky because this past week has been an ideal convergence of attractions for locals and visitors.

In addition to this weekend’s game there was Kelowna RibFest, Canada Day events, the World Cup watch party downtown as well as the recent lifting of short-term rental restrictions.

The one thing that was clear to the business association was the huge crowd downtown.

“All of these major events coming downtown, or coming to our city, definitely brings vibrancy,” Wysochansky said.

She hopes the summer tourism season keeps going strong with upcoming events like the Rock the Lake music festival and the BC Summer Games.

“Businesses should expect more of an influx of people as well for that, whether it’s tourists or locals alike,” she said.

“We’re very excited… to show off Kelowna how beautiful it is.”