Sports in Ottawa

Although Ottawa is currently home to only one professional sports team, there are plenty of sporting events and venues in the area for visitors to enjoy. From the expected hockey and curling matches to football, baseball, soccer, and basketball games, there is something for everyone.

Hockey fans can watch the National Hockey League’s Ottawa Senators play at Scotiabank Place, located in nearby Kanata. Those looking for hockey action inside the city can visit the Ottawa Civic Centre to catch some junior hockey with the Ottawa 67’s. Ottawa is also the host of the annual Bell Capital Cup, which features a minor hockey tournament. The games take place across more than 20 venues, with the finals held at Scotiabank Place.

In addition to hockey games, Scotiabank Place is also the host of the Capital Hoops Classic, where the Carleton University and University of Ottawa varsity men’s basketball teams face off each January.

Curling is a popular sport, with 15 clubs in the area. The OVCA Ottawa Men’s Bonspiel is one of the largest curling tournaments in the world and is held annually at the Ottawa Curling Club.

Outdoor sports fans have several options to choose from. The Ottawa Fat Cats are a semi-pro baseball team in the Intercounty Baseball League and play home games at the Ottawa Baseball Stadium. Frank Clair Stadium is the home of the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees, the city’s university football team. Carleton University is hoping to revive their own football program and historic rivalry with the University of Ottawa in 2013. 

Soccer is quite popular in Ottawa, and the city has both youth and adult teams. The semi-pro Ottawa Fury and Ottawa Fury Women are the most prominent soccer teams in the area, playing at Algonquin College. 

For those who like to do more than just watch sporting events, the Rideau Carleton Raceway has horse racing and gambling, as well as slots. The venue is also home to the Ottawa Swans, the local Australian rules football club. 

Despite two folded professional football teams in the past, Ottawa is slated to debut a new team in the Canadian Football League in 2013. The Ottawa Fury is hoping to gain a professional soccer franchise to play at Frank Clair Stadium starting the same year. These additions will only make the city even more attractive to sports fans.