Hamilton’s Largest Venue Set For A $280M Renovation

By FYI Staff

Hamilton, ON’s largest sports and concert venue, FirstOntario Centre, is due for a multi-million-dollar refurbishment, with work beginning next spring and a re-opening set for the fall of 2025.

The $280-million renovation is spearheaded by L.A.-based Oak View Group (OVG)–one of the largest developers of sports and live entertainment venues in the world.

As per the announcement, the facility will have an 18,000-seat capacity with a new facade, “premium seating, enhanced acoustics, improved sightlines, upgraded concourses, optimized clubs and suites and artist lounges.” The newly modernized venue will join a rapidly growing southwestern Canadian marketplace with the ability to accommodate larger shows alongside Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena.

Initially opened in 1985 as Copps Coliseum, the complex that includes two smaller venues has, over the years, been home to The Hamilton Steelhawks, and was where Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux scored the winning goal against the Soviet national ice hockey team in 1987.

FirstOntario Concert Hall and the Hamilton Convention Centre will remain open and continue to host events during the arena’s renovation, officials say.

Live Nation joins OVG as a booking partner to bring concerts and other live events to the city centre.

A new naming rights partner is expected to be announced later.

Upcoming shows at FirstOntario Place include Carrie Underwood, Bush, The Glorious Sons, and Cirque du Soleil.