Arenas at new recreation complex to open ahead of schedule for Ontario Lacrosse Festival

Whitby’s newest recreation centre has been added to the venue list for the world’s largest youth lacrosse event, with the arenas at the not-even-opened-yet Fieldgate Sports Complex in Whitby opening up early for the Ontario Lacrosse Festival from July 31-August 9.

The grand opening of the Fieldgate Sports Complex is not until September 12 but a news release from the Town of Whitby said construction progress on the facility has “made it possible” for the town and its partners to safely accommodate games in the twin arena pads.

Only the arenas will be open during the festival, with the aquatics centre, gymnasium, walking track and outdoor recreation amenities remaining closed while final construction, equipment load-in, staff training, and operational preparations continue ahead of the official opening.

“This is an exciting moment for Whitby and another important step toward opening the Fieldgate Sports Complex,” said Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy. “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.”

Whitby will welcome thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, families, and spectators from across the province over ten days at the Ontario Lacrosse Festival, organized every year by the Ontario Lacrosse Association.

“It’s great to be back in Whitby with a record setting number of teams in the annual Ontario Lacrosse Festival,” said Ontario Lacrosse Association Program Director Ron MacSpayden. “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.”

Residents are encouraged to watch some games, support local athletes and help welcome teams and families from across Ontario, as well getting a first look at the new arenas in action.

“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,” said Town of Whitby CAO Matt Gaskell. “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.”

The 2026 Ontario Lacrosse Festival will be hosted at 16 venues – including Fieldgate, McKinney Centre, Luther Vipond Memorial Arena and the main venue – Iroquois Park Sports Centre – over ten days.

The festival attracts 500-plus teams and roughly 9,300 coaches and athletes and competitions across thirty-six provincial championships for participants aged 6-21, making it the world’s largest youth lacrosse event with an annual attendance of around 55,000.

An estimated $9.3 million was spent by visitors at last year’s event.

Tournament schedules and event information will be available through the Ontario Lacrosse Association.

Fieldgate Sports Complex in Whitby