HAMILTON, Ontario (CelebrityAccess) — Venue developer and management company Oak View Group announced that major renovations are officially underway to fully modernize Hamilton’s FirstOntario Centre.
Construction on the venue began with an official groundbreaking ceremony that was attended by senior leaders from OVG, as well as partners, stakeholders, and community leaders.
“We’ve been a long-standing partner of the City of Hamilton through our management of the arena, generating considerable momentum to where we are today, and are now positioned to deliver to the people of Hamilton a truly world-class, live entertainment facility,” said Tim Leiweke, Chairman & CEO of Oak View Group. “Upon completion of this truly transformative investment, the Hamilton Arena will generate substantial economic velocity and serve as a catalyst to the downtown core via the hosting of premier touring acts, family shows, and all types of sporting events. We’re investors in this market for the long haul and are thrilled at the prospect of replicating the success of our other owned & operated facilities in Hamilton as this is what we do, we are facility owners and operators every day focused on driving event volume and activity for the City and its people. We have great partners helping us bring this project fully to life and are already looking and planning ahead to the Arena’s re-opening.”
The arena is undergoing a major $280 million refurb that will fully upgrade the venue to a major entertainment destination. The planned renovations include the addition of premium seating, clubs, lounges and suites, upgrades to the venue’s acoustics along with touchless and self-serve technologies for food & beverage concessions throughout the venue.
The venue’s infrastructure will be upgraded as well, with improvements planned for telecommunications infrastructure, wireless network, and video/network/security systems as well as electrical and lighting upgrades.
Artist hospitality will be a focus for improvements as well, with back-of-house upgrades that include new artist lounges and an updated production facility.
The refurbed Hamilton Arena will be part of the larger downtown redevelopment project known as “The Commons.” The project includes the fully revamped arena and a remodeled convention center, along with investments in the Art Gallery of Hamilton and concert hall facilities, as well as new residential, office, and retail space development.
“I am thrilled the groundbreaking for the massive re-development of our downtown Hamilton Arena has arrived,” said City of Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath. “This investment by international entertainment leader OVG in our city, and downtown core, will put Hamilton firmly on the map as a world-class sports and entertainment destination, spurring job creation, economic revitalization and attracting new visitors to our great city.”
The project is being overseen by Canadian construction services company EllisDon and the arena was redesigned by Brisbin Brook Beynon Architects.
“This is a new era for the City of Hamilton that reflects the vibrancy and resilience of the community,” added Riley O’Connor, Chairman, Live Nation Canada. “Live Nation has a rich history with the city and its passionate live music fans, and we look forward to bringing more world-class talent to this incredible entertainment destination.”
