218 Sports Showcase Coming HERE to The Sanford Center!
218 Sports is thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of three premier showcase weekends scheduled to take place at the Sanford Center in Bemidji this January and February 2026. These events will feature high-level competition across hockey and basketball, attracting athletes, community members and fans from across the region.
The action kicks off with the Men’s Hockey Showcase on January 9th and 10th, 2026, presented by Kraus Anderson. The weekend will feature a series of thrilling matchups, including Bemidji State University taking on Michigan Tech in a pair of games, alongside high school battles involving Bemidji, East Grand Forks, and Rock Ridge.
Following is the Women’s Hockey Showcase on January 16th and 17th, 2026, presented by Affinity Plus. This event will spotlight a series with Bemidji State versus the University of Minnesota, complemented by high school girls' games showcasing powerhouse teams from Bemidji, Warroad, Hill Murray, and Orono.
The final event is the Basketball Showcase, set for February 12th - 14th, 2026 presented by Sanford Health. The weekend will feature Bemidji State, the University of Jamestown, and Northern State University, along with ten high school games involving teams from Bemidji, Bagley, Cass Lake-Bena, Cloquet, Deer River, Duluth, Fosston, Grand Rapids, Hermantown, Kelliher-Northome, Mahnomen-Waubun, Pine River-Backus, and Walker-Hackensack-Akeley.
Together, these showcases are expected to generate an economic impact of over $1.75 million to the Bemidji area, while attracting more than 10,000 attendees. Local leaders and organizers emphasize the significance of this event for the community’s identity and economy.
Bemidji High School Athletic Director Kristen McRea expressed enthusiasm about the showcases, saying, “Having 218 Sports organizing these Showcases is a fantastic way to bring our community together to support our college and high school athletes.”
BSU Athletic Director Britt Lauritsen added, “This is a unique opportunity to highlight everything our community has to offer. We’re excited to team up with local partners to make this a lively, memorable experience for athletes and fans alike.”
Organizers aim to create a festive atmosphere reminiscent of a Hockey Day or state tournament competition, bringing a sense of excitement and community pride to Bemidji. The collaboration involves multiple local entities, including the Sanford Center, Bemidji High School, Bemidji State University, 218 Sports and sponsors, showcasing the power of community teamwork. In addition, many area businesses will be active as sponsors and there will be additional family activities including bouncy houses, kids crafts, local vendors, raffles and much more.
“There is a desire to pack the Sanford Center for these events,” Lauritsen stated. “For high school teams, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to play in such a professional environment. For college teams, the energy and atmosphere could be among their best of the year. We can’t wait to see what the energy in that building will be!”
For more information, visit 218 Sports website at 218sportsinc.sportngin.com