Whitby's Fieldgate Sports Complex Added as Host Venue for Ontario Lacrosse Festival
Early opening of arena marks first Fieldgate event ahead of complex Grand Opening on September 12
The Town of Whitby is pleased to announce that the Fieldgate Sports Complex has been added as one of the host venues for this year's Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA) Festival, taking place across Durham Region communities from July 31 to August 9.
Recent construction progress on the Fieldgate Sports Complex has made it possible for the Town and its partners to safely accommodate the Festival in the new Whitby Toyota and Longo’s arenas.
Only the arenas will be open during the Festival. The aquatics centre, gymnasium, walking track, and outdoor recreation amenities will remain closed while final construction, equipment load-in, staff training, and operational preparations continue ahead of the complex Grand Opening on September 12.
As an OLA host community, Whitby will welcome thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, families, and spectators from across the province over ten days, providing a boost to local restaurants, retailers, and other businesses.
Residents are encouraged to join in the Festival excitement by attending games, supporting Whitby's athletes, welcoming teams and families from across Ontario, and getting a first look at the new arenas in action. Tournament schedules and event information will be available through the Ontario Lacrosse Association.
A reminder to save the date for the Fieldgate Sports Complex Grand Opening on Saturday, September 12 when all indoor and outdoor amenities will be open. The event will feature free family-friendly activities, community partner displays, opportunities to explore the facility, and more. Additional event details will be shared in the coming weeks.
Quotes
"This is an exciting moment for Whitby and another important step toward opening the Fieldgate Sports Complex. We're thrilled to welcome the Ontario Lacrosse Festival to our community and give residents an early and first look at our beautiful new arenas. I encourage everyone to come out and cheer on our local athletes as they compete alongside teams from across Ontario. Go, Whitby, go!"
- Elizabeth Roy, Mayor, Town of Whitby
"The opportunity for Fieldgate Sports Complex to host a portion of the Ontario Lacrosse Association Festival reflects the outstanding progress made by our project team and partners. By opening the arenas first, we're able to safely welcome residents, athletes, and visitors into the facility for a first look while continuing the important work of preparing the aquatic centre, gymnasium, and outdoor amenities for our Grand Opening on September 12. It's an exciting preview of the role the Fieldgate Sports Complex will play in supporting recreation, sport tourism, and our local economy for years to come."
- Matt Gaskell, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Whitby
“It’s great to be back in Whitby with a record setting number of teams in the annual Ontario Lacrosse Festival. The new Fieldgate Sports Complex is another first-class Town facility for community sport, including lacrosse. We are excited and enthusiastic about hosting festival games there this summer.”
- Ron MacSpadyen, Program Director, Ontario Lacrosse Association
Quick Facts
- The 2026 Ontario Lacrosse Festival will be hosted at 16 venues – including Whitby’s Fieldgate Sports Complex, Iroquois Park Sports Centre, McKinney Centre, and Luther Vipond Memorial Arena – over ten days.
- The Festival attracts 500+ teams and roughly 9,300 coaches and athletes, making it the world's largest youth lacrosse event with an attendance of around 55,000.
- The event showcases competitions across thirty-six provincial championships for participants aged 6-21 years.
More Information
For project updates, visit connectwhitby.ca/SportsComplex.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Erin Mikaluk
Manager, Communications and Creative Services, Town of Whitby
Phone: 289.314.6913
Email: mikaluke@whitby.ca
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