The crack of the bat and roar of the crowd will be a little louder in Victoria over the next two summers.
In a major announcement made Wedneday at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park, the Victoria HarbourCats confirmed that the city will host the West Coast League (WCL) All-Star Festival for two straight seasons—in 2026 and 2027.
The showcase event, which brings together the best talent from across the collegiate summer league, will take place July 15th, 2026, and July 14th, 2027—both set for the day after Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game.
This marks the first time Victoria has hosted the game since 2013, when the event drew a record-breaking crowd of over 4,000 fans. With upgrades to the stadium and the growing popularity of the HarbourCats, organizers are projecting crowds exceeding 5,000 spectators at each event.
“Two years in a row, the best of the league will be in the best city in the world,” said Jim Swanson, Managing Partner of the HarbourCats and the Nanaimo NightOwls. “Our stadium is built to pro standards, and the support we get from this community made this possible. We’re excited to make these the best all-star games in league history.”
The announcement was made in partnership with the West Coast League, Destination Greater Victoria, and the Greater Victoria Sports Tourism Commission.
The BC government is also backing the event through a sport hosting grant, recognizing the value the games will bring to local businesses and tourism.
“These All-Star Games will bring significant economic benefits to our local tourism sector,” said Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “This further elevates Victoria’s global profile as a premier sport tourism destination.”
Victoria’s mayor Marianne Alto called the announcement “exciting for fans” and a reminder of the city’s growing reputation as a hub for major sporting events.
“These games will be unforgettable,” she said, “and our dedicated partners and passionate community are showing the world what Victoria can do.”
The WCL All-Star Festival won’t just be a game—it’ll be a full week of festivities aimed at celebrating baseball and community. Tentative plans include a home run derby the day before the big game, youth baseball camps across the city, a MLB scouting combine leading up to the game, a pre-game concert and potential “hot stove” social event and much more.
Swanson noted that a local organizing committee has already been formed to help bring the ambitious vision to life. The team includes former BC Games chair Kelly Mann, former Oak Bay fire chief Dave Cockle, and several members of the HarbourCats front office team.
Ticket packages will first be offered to HarbourCats partners, season ticket holders, and host families in September.
Any remaining tickets will be released to the general public after that.
“It will be affordable and bring great value,” said Swanson. “This is going to be something special.”
The West Coast League All-Star Festival is set to become a crown jewel on Victoria’s sports calendar—an event that combines elite baseball with community celebration, all set in one of the most beautiful summer destinations in Canada.
