Halifax is set to make history once again as the city has been selected to host four prestigious national championships over the next four years, marking a new chapter for university sports in Canada.
- 2026 University Cup (Host: Saint Mary’s University)
- 2027 Women’s Basketball Final 8 (Host: Acadia University)
- 2027 Men’s Basketball Final 8 (Host: ±«Óătv University)
- 2028 Women’s Hockey Championship (Host: STFX University)
Each host university receives an automatic bid into the championship.
“Halifax and Scotiabank Centre have a history of hosting successful national championships,” said Cindy Tye, ±«Óătv Tigers Associate Director Athletics and Recreation. “This bid provides a unique opportunity for male and female student-athletes from two sports to compete at home. With the collaboration of the three other host universities and the Scotiabank Centre, we know that Halifax will provide memorable experiences for fans and participants.”
This is the third time in the last 10 years that the Tigers will host the Final 8 at Scotiabank Centre. The Tigers recently hosted the 2017 and 2019 championships, winning bronze at home in 2017. The best finish for the Tigers was a silver medal at the 2020 edition in Ottawa.
The 2027 U SPORTS Final 8 championships will run from March 11–14, 2027.
“Halifax has a long and storied history supporting U SPORTS events, with some of the highest-attended national championships in this building,” said Pierre Arsenault, U SPORTS Chief Executive Officer.
"When U SPORTS received the joint bid between the four host universities in partnership with the Province of Nova Scotia, the City of Halifax, Discover Halifax and Scotiabank Centre, it was a very easy decision to bring these four championships to the City of Trees. We know the event will be supported by the corporate community and fans, resulting in a world-class experience for our student-athletes attending the championships.”
Scotiabank Centre serves as the backdrop for all four championships. It has hosted the men’s basketball Final 8 a record 31 times, while the University Cup has been contested twice inside the hallowed walls of the building. The 2027 women’s basketball Final 8 will be the second time Halifax hosts the championship, with the 1980 CIAU women’s basketball tournament contested at ±«Óătv University.Ěý
Sports and Entertainment Atlantic (S|E|A) will handle the event operations, sales, and marketing.