Prince Albert - The Gateway to the North
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, host of the XVIII WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Group B from 10-14 July, is much more than a world-class softball destination. The third largest population in Saskatchewan Province (after Saskatoon and Regina) is also the centre of many attractions and tourism activities.
With almost 40,000 inhabitants, Prince Albert is situated near the centre of the province on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. "Our small-town feel means you will spend less time in traffic and more time doing the activities you love," Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne states on the city's website. "No other community combines such a stunning natural landscape with a wealth of amenities, including access to a diverse offering of highly skilled professional sports and recreation organizations, an engaged and growing arts and cultural community and committed and passionate non-profit organizations.
The city is known as the "Gateway to the North" because it is the last major urban centre along the route to the resources of northern Saskatchewan, including world-class fishing, hunting and outdoor adventure. Prince Albert National Park anchors Waskesiu & Area Wilderness Region, and area lakes include McPhee, Emma, Christopher, Anglin and Candle.
Located in the 3200 Block of 6th Avenue East, Prime Ministers' Park is the city's premier outdoor athletic facility, including the four-diamond Max Power Ballparks complex.
The Rotary Field, the main diamond at Max Power Ballparks, will host the 19 games of the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Group B. This field was constructed through Project Triple Play for the 2018 WBSC Junior Men's Softball World Cup and has remained as a legacy for the Prince Albert sports community. Now, six years later, it will complete the cycle by hosting the Men's Softball World Cup Group B and the Finals 2025.
The WBSC Junior Men's Softball World Cup 2018 in Prince Albert was a major success. According to the local organizing committee, the global event generated a profit of at least CAD$150,000, with a local economic impact of approximately CAD$10 million (almost US$7.6 million), including over 3,000 hotel room nights sold.
The average attendance was 2,000 fans per day, including more than 5,000 for the round robin game between New Zealand and host team Canada.