Transforming the Apple Bowl for Touchdown Kelowna

Something big is taking shape at the Apple Bowl this summer. With just 15 days to go, the facility is beginning to come alive as preparations ramp up for the first-ever Canadian Football League games in Kelowna. The site will welcome more than 17,000 fans at each of the two games. 

From the outside, the transformation is already visible. Crews are moving steadily across the site, preparing the stadium for a major moment in Kelowna’s history. 

 Building a bigger stage

To host the CFL games on June 27 and July 4, the stadium is expanding beyond its usual capacity. Temporary seating is being installed throughout the site, increasing capacity to approximately 17,000 seats and creating space for thousands more fans. Behind every visible change is a coordinated effort, with multiple crews working together to plan and build each component with precision.

Reimagining the field

The transformation goes beyond seating. Crews are preparing the turf to meet professional CFL standards, ensuring it is ready for top-level play.

Shaping the game-day experience

Across the stadium, spaces are being reconfigured to enhance the fan experience. The scoreboard is being temporarily relocated, fencing and bleacher areas are being adjusted, and new elements are being added, including two large video screens, 180 portable washrooms, media stations, and more. Each change helps create an authentic, high-energy game-day environment.

Ready for the crowd

As work nears completion, the vision becomes clear: a vibrant venue ready to welcome thousands of fans for a one-of-a-kind football experience. While the physical changes will be reversed after the games, the experience itself will leave a lasting impact by bringing the community together through sport.

On game days, area residents can expect increased law enforcement, bylaw, and parking presence to support traffic management and public safety. There will also be higher traffic volumes and activity along the Rail Trail, roadways, bike lanes, and sidewalks with spectators travelling to the stadium. Those attending the game are being encouraged to plan ahead, use alternative modes of transportation and, if traveling by car,  to pre-book parking at pre-identified lots in the area. Game day info is available at kelowna.ca/touchdown. 

These preparations and the games to follow are part of the broader Touchdown Kelowna Festival, a nine-day celebration that will bring residents and visitors together through sport, entertainment, and community events. 

For tickets and the full festival schedule, visit kelowna.ca/touchdown.