Oak View Group and Live Nation Name Nick DeLuco General Manager of Upcoming Hamilton Arena

Oak View Group and Live Nation Canada are adding key team members for the planned Hamilton Arena.

Nick DeLuco, previously of Oilers Entertainment Group in Edmonton, has been named Senior Vice President and General Manager of the upcoming 18,000-seat arena in Hamilton, Ontario.

He'll oversee operations and strategic planning for the as-yet-unnamed venue, formerly called the Hamilton FirstOntario Centre and Copps Coliseum. Oak View Group (OVG), in partnership with Live Nation, is undertaking a $280 million renovation on the arena, set to open in late 2025.

DeLuco oversaw events at Edmonton's major entertainment and sports district, ICE District, including Rogers Place, home of the Edmonton Oilers hockey team. He also brings experience managing the $113 million Avenir Centre in New Brunswick, working on events like Cirque du Soleil and UFC.

OVG is expanding its Canadian presence, and recently became a co-owner of the former Canadian Music Week, now renamed Departure.

The Hamilton General Manager announcement follows the appointment of Alex Patton as Senior Director of Booking at OVG's Canadian Alliance. Patton will lead booking at the Hamilton Arena, bringing experience from festivals like Boots & Hearts, NXNE and Toronto Jazz Fest.

The hiring announcements indicate the intention for Hamilton Arena to be a major tour stop and events hub. The third biggest city in Ontario, it's the closest major metropolitan city outside the Greater Toronto Area.

"This is an exciting time for the Hamilton region, and I look forward to working alongside this dedicated team, focused on building a future that enhances the guest experience and uplifts the surrounding community,” says DeLuco in a statement. “Our goal is to elevate the experience for artists, fans and partners as we deliver a premier sports and entertainment destination in southern Ontario.”

Francesca Bodie, Chief Operating Officer at Oak View Group, praises DeLuco's experience in managing large-scale venues and major renovation projects. The company is promising a major transformation of the Hamilton Arena, including modern upgrades, top-notch acoustics, improved sightlines and various premium and exclusive club, suite and seating options.

“This groundbreaking investment will unlock substantial economic momentum and serve as a key driver for revitalizing Hamilton’s downtown core," she says. "We’re pleased to have Nick at the forefront of this effort."