USA Hockey Fans Dominate Attendance Numbers at the 2026 World Junior Championship
SAINT PAUL, Minn. — The excitement surrounding the 2026 World Junior Hockey Championship is palpable, especially for Team USA. As the first round of tournament play draws to a close, attendance figures reveal that American fans are flocking to the games in unprecedented numbers. Team USA’s matches are outpacing all others, boasting attendance rates nearly four times higher than their international counterparts.
Strong Attendance for Team USA
So far, Team USA has played three games, each attracting close to 14,000 fans. This surge in attendance starkly contrasts the U.S. performance during the last World Junior Championship in Sweden, where the average attendance for Team USA matches lingered around 2,000. The home-ice advantage this tournament is evident, with local support playing a crucial role in driving fan turnout.
A Broader Attendance Trend
While USA matches draw massive crowds, the same cannot be said for other teams in the tournament. Attendance for these matches has been notably lower than previous years, leading to questions about what factors might be affecting ticket sales. Klinkenberg, COO of Minnesota Sports and Events, noted that the international relations climate, particularly concerning Canada, could be impacting attendance across the board.
Canada and Sweden Comparisons
Attendance numbers for Team Canada have also dipped, averaging 4,683 fans per game so far. Comparatively, Team Sweden has seen slightly better numbers at 4,690 fans per game. This decline is significant when juxtaposed with past performances. In 2025, Team Canada averaged 18,004 fans per game during the same tournament—an inflated figure likely due to the location in Ottawa, Canada.
For a more realistic comparison, one might look back to the 2024 World Junior Championship in Sweden, where Team Canada brought in 8,749 fans per game. However, inconsistencies in attendance can arise from various elements including team matchups, arena sizes, and even the atmosphere surrounding the event.
Overall Tournament Attendance
Collectively, the tournament has attracted 85,524 hockey fans thus far. This figure is a marked decrease from the 138,588 attendees during the same period last year and substantially higher than the 72,796 fans reported the year prior. The situation raises the question of whether the decline in attendance reflects broader trends in sports fandom or if it’s merely a temporary anomaly.
Economic Impact on Local Businesses
Despite these fluctuating attendance figures, the local economy is experiencing a boost. Jaimee Lucke Hendrikson from Visit Saint Paul reports a surge in business for hotels and restaurants, noting that typical occupancy numbers may drop to 20% to 30% during this time of year. With the influx of hockey fans, they are enjoying the vibrancy that comes with a busy sports event, akin to the energy felt during home games for the Minnesota Wild.
Engagement Beyond the Ice
In addition to game attendance, local fan engagement is robust. Organizers highlight the success of the Bold North Breakaway fan fest, drawing 3,000 to 4,000 attendees daily. Such activities foster community spirit and keep hockey fans busy between matches, contributing to a lively downtown atmosphere.
Looking Forward
As the tournament progresses, the anticipation builds for key matchups, including the highly anticipated New Year’s Eve showdown between Team USA and Team Sweden. Organizers expect this game to sell out, naturally fueling excitement for subsequent rounds and likely leading to more ticket sales.
Klinkenberg noted that the momentum is poised to continue building, promising an exciting few days ahead for hockey fans in Saint Paul and beyond. The future of the tournament appears bright, with local enthusiasm and international rivalries amplifying the experience for all involved.