Hamilton’s $300M renovated arena will focus on hockey, but not the NHL. Tim Leiweke, the CEO of Oak View Group, plans to bring a hockey team back to Hamilton in a couple of years. The arena, known as the FirstOntario Centre, will undergo a privately funded renovation. Leiweke made it clear that there won’t be an NHL franchise, but he believes that Hamilton deserves a hockey team with the city’s name on its chest. One possibility is the return of a major junior team. The Bulldogs, an OHL franchise, have temporarily moved to Brantford but may extend their stay there. Oak View Group has had success with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Kraken, and their new arena in Palm Springs. The renovated FirstOntario Centre will also serve as a premier concert venue and contribute to downtown rejuvenation. Leiweke believes that the arena’s location makes it a better option for the 2.5 million people in the Golden Horseshoe area compared to Toronto or Buffalo. The goal is to create a secondary market for hockey and music. Leiweke’s partner, Irving Azoff, a music executive, will play a significant role in attracting popular acts to the Hamilton venue. The plan is to make the arena more inviting and to connect it to the Jackson Square mall. Additionally, a restaurant will be built as a cornerstone piece for the arena, open daily regardless of events. The FirstOntario Centre has a rich history, hosting events like the World Junior Hockey Championship and the Canada Cup. The Hamilton Bulldogs and the OHL Bulldogs have also achieved success in the arena, winning championships in their respective leagues.
Hamilton’s Renovated Arena to Bring Hockey Back to the City
