LONDON, ON – August 18, 2026 – The Western Fair is marking the 25th anniversary of the Sports Centre with 10 days of special programming that celebrates the athletes, teams and community members who have brought the facility to life since 2001.
A quarter century ago on the first Friday of the 2001 Western Fair, on the same steps of the facility that 2026 fairgoers will climb to partake of all the exciting ice sport entertainment marking its 25th anniversary, the official opening of the Western Fair Sports Centre took place.
That ribbon cutting signified a significant event for Western Fair Association and the City of London; it provided a first-class ice facility that all parties, including user groups, and the Citizens of London and area could be proud of then and now.
Running September 11–20, the anniversary celebration will transform the Sports Centre into one of the Fair’s major attractions. Highlights include a multi-day Hockey Hall of Fame exhibit, an NHL Alumni charity game, community skating and skate-a-thon, a speed skating showcase and games featuring local first responders and the London Nationals.
“For 25 years, the Sports Centre has been a place where people of all ages come together to compete, learn, stay active and build lasting friendships,” said Leah Locking, Sports Centre Facility Manager. “Celebrating this milestone during the Western Fair gives us the opportunity to recognize that history, while offering Fair visitors an exciting new lineup of hockey and skating experiences.”
A celebration rooted in community
The programming begins Friday, September 11, with a 4:30 p.m. anniversary opening ceremony on the front steps of the Sports Centre.
At 6 p.m., representatives from London Fire, London Police, the Ontario Provincial Police, and the local medical community will take part in a special 9/11 commemorative hockey game. Tickets are $20, with Western Fair admission included. Children 10 & under and adults aged 65 and older attend free.
On Saturday, September 12, the London Nationals will play their home opener at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include Fair admission, while children and adults aged 65 and older attend free.
For years, Western Fair District has proudly supported Children's Health Foundation, and now, in celebration of the Sports Centre's 25th Anniversary, we're giving them a unique opportunity to shine: a 25-Hour Skate-a-Thon. Taking place over three days, Saturday, September 12 to Monday, September 14, the event challenges participants to raise $25,000 in support of children's healthcare at hospitals across southwestern Ontario.
Throughout the week, Fair admission will also include public skating sessions and a London Speed Skating Club showcase, where you can watch relays, races and drills showcasing a variety of skaters from teens to those in their 60s.
Hockey Hall of Fame comes to London
From September 17–19, Fair visitors can explore a Hockey Hall of Fame exhibit featuring historical treasures from its iconic collection, hockey’s most prestigious silverware and interactive activities for fans of every generation.
The exhibit will be travelling from Toronto to London and valued at $35 per person, will be included with Western Fair admission and feature:
- New and original Hockey Hall of Fame Legends exhibits
- Seven celebrated hockey trophies
- The Hockey Hall of Fame Legends Theatre
- The “Art of Hockey” Gallery
- 15 interactive games
- Special experiences, including Tales with the Cup
“This is a significant addition to the value of a Fair ticket,” said Rob Lumsden, Fair Midway Manager. “A family can experience remarkable pieces of hockey history, enjoy interactive games and explore the rest of the Western Fair, all with one $15 advance Fair admission or $20 at the door. It’s another way we’re creating memorable experiences that bring generations together.”
NHL Alumni take the ice for Special Olympics Ontario
The anniversary celebration will conclude on Sunday, September 20, when former NHL players face the London Law Enforcement All Stars in a special exhibition game at 2 p.m.
Fans will see familiar hockey greats return to the ice for an afternoon of end-to-end action, skill and friendly competition. Proceeds from the game will support the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ontario.
Tickets are $20 and include Fair admission. Children 10 & under and adults aged 65 and older attend free.
Sports Centre 25th Anniversary Schedule
Friday, September 11
- 4:30 p.m. – 25th anniversary opening ceremony
- 6 p.m. – 9/11 commemorative game featuring local first responders and medical professionals
Saturday, September 12
- 2 p.m. – London Nationals home opener vs Chatham Maroons
- 6pm – 11pm – Skate-a-thon in support of Children’s Health Foundation
Sunday, September 13
- 2–4 p.m. – Public skate
- 6–8 p.m. – Public skate
- 7am-10am / 12pm-2pm / 4pm-6pm / 8pm-11pm - Skate-a-thon in support of Children’s Health Foundation
Monday, September 14
- 5–8 p.m. – Public skate
- 7am-9am / 12pm-1pm / 4pm-11pm - Skate-a-thon in support of Children’s Health Foundation
Tuesday, September 15
- London Speed Skating Club showcase
Wednesday, September 16
- Hockey Hall of Fame installation
Thursday, September 17–Saturday, September 19
- Hockey Hall of Fame experience, included with Fair admission
Sunday, September 20
- 2 p.m. – NHL Alumni vs. London Law Enforcement All Stars, supporting the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ontario
The Western Fair takes place September 11–20, 2026.
Additional programming details and ticket information will be available at westernfair.ca.
About Western Fair District
Western Fair District is a leading year-round, not-for-profit agri-food organization dedicated to celebrating community and agriculture. Through its people, facilities and events, Western Fair District creates experiences that connect and enrich the region.
Media Contact:
Angela Hawkins
Director, Marketing and Communications
[email protected]
519-281-4809
