With just over three months to go before the puck drops for Kelowna's Memorial Cup 2020, tournament organizers are touting what's happening outside the rink. With Canadians watching coast-to-coast, Live on the Lake will have our gorgeous Okanagan Lake as a backdrop.

"We always knew we wanted to do something extra special for the 2020 Memorial Cup when we set our minds on winning the bid, something distinctly Kelowna," explains Tom Dyas, Chair of the local host committee. "Holding a special weekend concert on the beach with the backdrop of Okanagan Lake is the perfect way to showcase our community to the nation, and featuring an incredible Canadian musical artist like Brett Kissel highlights the Kelowna experience even more."

Dyas said the event at Tugboat Bay will be the ideal way to showcase Kelowna to a national audience. "When you just walk over that little bridge the stage is going to be set up and you'll be able to see the performer performing at you with the backdrop of the lake."

It's just one of several events that will be happening outside Prospera Place in association with the Memorial Cup. From the parade to street hockey to the Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame which will be set up at the Laurel Packinghouse. It's all focused on Kelowna's photogenic waterfront, for a reason. "It's only going to help our tourism more and more even after the tournament is over," said Dyas in an interview at KelownaNow.

The 2020 Memorial Cup runs from May 21st to 31st. It's the 102nd edition of the Canadian Hockey League’s prestigious national championship. The Kelowna Rockets will compete as hosts, taking on the champions from the WHL toe OHL and the Quebec Major Junior League.  

Kelowna last hosted the tournament in 2004 and won the cup. The Rockets have made it to the final game twice since, but haven't managed to repeat as champions.