Celebrate 25 Years of the Sports Centre at the 2026 Western Fair – New this year
London, Ontario, August 18, 2026: For 25 years, the Sports Centre at Western Fair District has been a place to play, compete, learn and connect. This September we are marking that with ten days of hockey and skating during the 2026 Western Fair.
From September 11 to 20, you can explore hockey history, cheer on local teams, lace up your own skates and watch former NHL players come back to the ice. Most of it is included with your Fair admission.
The people who keep our community moving
Things get going Friday, September 11, with an opening ceremony at 4:30 p.m. on the front steps of the Sports Centre.
At 6 p.m., members of London Fire, London Police, the Ontario Provincial Police and the local medical community take the ice for a 9/11 commemorative game. These are the people who show up when the rest of us need them, and this is a chance to give them a proper crowd.
On Saturday, September 12, the London Nationals open their home season at 2 p.m.
All hockey games are $20 and include Fair admission. Kids 10 and under and big kids 65 and over are free for the games and the Fair.
25 hours of skating for a very good reason
London Children's Health Foundation is hosting a 25-hour Skate-a-thon across three days, Saturday, September 12 through Monday, September 14, aiming to raise $25,000 for children's healthcare in Southwestern Ontario.
Twenty-five hours, twenty-five thousand dollars, twenty-five years. You can register to skate and every hour helps.
Register for the Skate-a-thon →
The week also brings public skating sessions and a London Speed Skating Club showcase, all included with your Fair admission.
The Hockey Hall of Fame is coming to London
From September 17 to 19, the Sports Centre welcomes a Hockey Hall of Fame exhibit. This is the real thing, on tour from Toronto, and it is the part of the week hockey fans should plan around.
The exhibit is valued at $35 per person and is included with your Fair admission. Here is what is inside.
• 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
• Unique experiences including Tales with the Cup
Getting this close to hockey history usually means a trip to Toronto. For three days it is happening on Florence Street, and your Fair ticket covers it.
NHL Alumni take on local law enforcement
The celebration closes Sunday, September 20 at 2 p.m. with NHL Alumni against the London Law Enforcement All Stars.
Expect end to end rushes, dazzling dekes, big shots and a lot of friendly competition from players who still know exactly what they are doing out there.
Proceeds support the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ontario. Tickets are $20, with kids 10 and under and big kids 65 and over 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
6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Skate-a-thon in support of Children's Health Foundation
Sunday, September 13
2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Public skate
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Public skate
7 a.m. to 10 a.m., 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Skate-a-thon in support of Children’s Health Foundation
Monday, September 14
7 a.m. to 9 a.m., 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Skate-a-thon in support of Children’s Health Foundation
Tuesday, September 15
London Speed Skating Club showcase
Thursday, September 17 to 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
Join the celebration
Whether you are a lifelong hockey fan, a recreational skater, or a family looking for something different to do together, the Sports Centre's 25th anniversary adds a lot to this year's Fair.
Buy tickets to the hockey games →
Buy advance tickets to the Fair →
Fair tickets include Sports Centre activities, except for hockey games.