Hamilton politicians, city staff, and stakeholders gathered for an official groundbreaking ceremony at the FirstOntario Centre redevelopment, marking the beginning of a $280 million renovation project. The president of Hamilton Urban Precinct Entertainment Group (HUPEG), PJ Mercanti, expressed excitement for the project and highlighted the collaboration with Oakview Group (OVG) and Live Nation. The completion of the project is anticipated by fall 2025, with an opening date set for November. The arena will be able to host 18,000 visitors and more than 125 events annually, offering amenities such as a new street-level concourse, a year-round restaurant, upgraded suites and club spaces, and improved food and beverage areas.
Mercanti emphasized the importance of live music as an “anchor tenant” for the arena once it is completed. He mentioned that the venue will serve as a relief valve for touring entertainers seeking to avoid scheduling conflicts at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. With the capacity to accommodate up to 10 million people in the Greater Toronto Area catchment, Hamilton is expected to attract a variety of events and draw in diverse audiences. Additionally, the arena will serve as a local anchor for sports teams, with the Toronto Rock already committed to maintaining their presence and efforts underway to bring in a new or existing hockey team. The partnership between the city, HUPEG, and OVG is projected to reduce the financial burden on city taxpayers by approximately $155 million over the next 30 years.
Mayor Andrea Horwath, who was not part of the council when the project was agreed upon in 2021, praised the redevelopment as a significant investment in the city’s infrastructure. She acknowledged the challenges posed by the current budget constraints but affirmed that the partnership with private sector stakeholders was a step in the right direction. The renovation of the FirstOntario Centre is seen as a strategic inflection point for Hamilton, signaling a new chapter in the city’s entertainment and sports landscape. The project aims to enhance the venue’s capacity to attract a diverse range of events and maximize its economic impact on the local community.
As construction progresses, the FirstOntario Centre is poised to become a premier entertainment destination in Southern Ontario, offering state-of-the-art facilities and amenities for visitors and performers alike. The addition of new food and beverage areas, upgraded suites, and club spaces will enhance the overall experience for attendees and create opportunities for increased revenue generation. With a focus on attracting top-tier acts and fostering partnerships with industry leaders, the arena is expected to solidify its position as a key player in the regional entertainment market. The completion of the project in 2025 is eagerly awaited by stakeholders, who anticipate a successful opening and a positive impact on the city’s cultural and economic landscape.
