Oak View Group Announces New Name for Hamilton, Ontario Arena: TD Coliseum
The massive nearly $300-million transformation of the arena previously known as FirstOntario Centre now has a name. OVG Canada President Tom Pistore promised big announcements to come for TD Coliseum, which will host the 2026 Juno Awards.
Execs from Oak View Group, Live Nation Canada and TD at the future home of TD Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario on June 25, 2025.
Hamilton's splashy new arena project has a new name: TD Coliseum.
When the former FirstOntario Centre was taken over by venue giants Oak View Group (OVG), it was referred to by the generic name of Hamilton Arena.
The courtship of sponsors is over with the announcement this morning (June 25) that TD Bank Group (TD) has entered into a multi-year naming rights agreement with OVG.
The name TD Coliseum hearkens back to the building's original incarnation as Copps Coliseum. Built in 1985 for $42 million, the 18,000 capacity arena hosted multiple Juno Awards, major national and international sporting events and concerts from A-list Canadian and international musical stars. It became FirstOntario Centre in 2014 when the credit union of that name paid for naming rights.
The arena is currently undergoing a major transformation under the leadership of OVG, one budgeted initially at $290 million. Construction began in May 2024 and the work is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The first shows are already booked: Andrea Bocelli (Dec. 9) and Brad Paisley (Dec. 12). TD Coliseum will also host the 55th annual Juno Awards next year, on March 29.
In conjunction with the naming rights announcement, Tom Pistore, President of OVG Canada, and a 2025 Billboard Power Player alongside OVG Chairman and CEO Tim Leiweke led a tour of the venue following the announcement at the venue this morning.
"Naming rights is always the longest process," he said. "Sponsorship and finding the right partner is always a challenge, but we know we have a great partner in TD. They're the sixth largest bank in North America and they share our vision for what this venue is for Hamilton and the Golden Horseshoe."
He did not give specifics as to the length of this partnership and the dollar figures involved, other than noting "it is commensurate with a $300 million investment" and that the figure exceeds the $350,000 per year paid by FirstOntario over a decade ago. "It is a multi-year significant investment by the bank," he said.
Regarding the choice of name, Pistore explained that "it came from teams working together and Coliseum seemed to be a natural easy fit. That name has a real legacy, with the 40 year history of the venue."
The tour included visits to future sites of specially designed artist lounges plus suites, clubs and lounges, including one VIP area to be named The TD Lounge.
Pistore also reaffirmed that music will be the key focus of TD Coliseum, with promises of music talent as big as concerts that regularly come to Toronto, though he promised a major announcement of a sports team that will call the venue home.
Live Nation Canada will play a major part in the booking. That company's chairman, Riley O'Connor, noted that "with the modernization of TD Coliseum, we know artists and fans will have an unforgettable experience. Live Nation Canada is excited to bring the best in musical talent from across Canada and the world to the venue.”
Leiweke says that the sponsorship "reflects a shared commitment to delivering world-class experiences and making a lasting impact where it matters most: in the heart of the communities we serve... It’s a powerful affirmation of Hamilton’s growth, vibrancy and bright future.”
OVG Canada says more big announcements about TD Coliseum are coming soon.
