Whitby, Ontario, families will get a sneak peek inside the brand new arenas at the Fieldgate Sports Complex this summer as the venue hosts part of the world’s largest youth lacrosse event. The Town of Whitby announced on July 9, 2026, that the complex has been added as a host venue for the 2026 Ontario Lacrosse Festival, running July 31 to August 9.
The Festival, which is celebrating its 21st anniversary, brings together more than 500 teams and roughly 9,300 coaches and athletes from across the province. An estimated 55,000 spectators are expected to visit Durham Region for 10 days of games spread across 16 venues, including four right here in Whitby: the Fieldgate Sports Complex, Iroquois Park Sports Centre, McKinney Centre, and Luther Vipond Memorial Arena.
Only the twin-pad arenas inside the new $155 million complex on Baldwin Street South will be accessible during the Festival. The aquatics centre, gymnasium, walking track, and outdoor amenities like Roybrook Park and the pickleball courts will stay closed while crews finish construction, equipment load-in, and staff training ahead of the official grand opening on September 12, 2026. Residents are encouraged to come out and get a first look at the ice pads early.
Mayor Elizabeth Roy called the early opening an exciting milestone. “We’re thrilled to welcome the Ontario Lacrosse Festival to our community and give residents an early and first look at our beautiful new arenas,” Mayor Roy said. “I encourage everyone to come out and cheer on our local athletes as they compete alongside teams from across Ontario.”
The Festival showcases 36 provincial championships for players aged 6 to 21, celebrating lacrosse as Canada’s National Summer Sport. Organizers from the Ontario Lacrosse Association have been coordinating the massive event since 2004, and this year’s addition of the Fieldgate Sports Complex expands the footprint in Whitby as the community prepares to welcome thousands of families and visitors.
