FirstOntario Centre, a prominent sports and entertainment arena, stands proudly at the intersection of Bay Street North and York Boulevard in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Opened in 1985, this impressive venue has a seating capacity of up to 19,000, making it one of the largest arenas in the country. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a music lover, or simply exploring Hamilton, FirstOntario Centre offers a plethora of exciting experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
The story of FirstOntario Centre begins in the early 1980s when Hamilton found itself in need of a modern ice hockey venue after the demolition of the Barton Street Arena in 1977. Construction of the new arena commenced in 1983 and was completed two years later at a cost of $33.5 million, with an additional $2.3 million allocated for a parking garage. The project was overseen by Hamiltonian Joseph Pigott, and the arena was originally named Copps Coliseum in honor of long-time mayor Victor Copps.
The arena's first scoreboard was purchased from the Winnipeg Arena for $214,000. Over the years, it underwent several upgrades, with the current scoreboard featuring an LED video board on each side, built by Media Resources in Hamilton.
FirstOntario Centre has been the backdrop for numerous memorable events and has hosted a variety of sports teams over the years. The Hamilton Steelhawks of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) began playing at the arena in 1985. The venue also served as the primary host for the 1986 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and the 1987 Canada Cup, where the legendary Gretzky to Lemieux goal was scored.
In addition to ice hockey, the arena has welcomed basketball teams such as the Hamilton Skyhawks and the Toronto Raptors, who played several games here during their early seasons. The arena also hosted the 1994 FIBA World Championship and the 1995 FIBA Americas Championship for Women, won by Canada.
Wrestling fans might recall the first WWF Royal Rumble held at the arena in 1988, as well as the WWF pay-per-view Breakdown: In Your House in 1998. The Grateful Dead also graced the stage at FirstOntario Centre, performing on four occasions in the early 1990s.
The American Hockey League (AHL) expanded to Copps Coliseum in 1992 with the Hamilton Canucks, and later, the Hamilton Bulldogs became a fixture at the arena. The Bulldogs, affiliated with the Edmonton Oilers and the Montreal Canadiens, brought over 2 million fans to the venue. In 2007, the Bulldogs won their first Calder Cup Championship at home, a historic moment celebrated by the entire city.
In 2015, the Ontario Hockey League's Belleville Bulls relocated to Hamilton and continued the Bulldogs' legacy in the junior league. The Bulldogs remain the primary tenant of the facility, drawing crowds of passionate hockey fans to their games.
FirstOntario Centre was built to National Hockey League (NHL) specifications, with hopes of attracting an NHL franchise to Hamilton. Despite its proximity to the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Buffalo Sabres, both of which opposed an NHL team in Hamilton, the arena hosted several neutral-site NHL games in the early 1990s.
In 2007, billionaire Jim Balsillie made an offer to purchase the Nashville Predators with the intention of moving the team to Hamilton. Although the bid was unsuccessful, it sparked interest in renovating the arena to meet modern NHL standards. While these plans did not come to fruition, the dream of bringing an NHL team to Hamilton remains alive among local hockey enthusiasts.
Beyond sports, FirstOntario Centre has hosted a wide range of entertainment events, from concerts by world-renowned artists to family-friendly shows. In 2014, the arena was renamed FirstOntario Centre after a $3.5-million deal with local credit union FirstOntario. The new signage was unveiled later that spring, honoring Victor K. Copps with a smaller sign on the Bay side of the arena.
The arena has also been a venue for unique events such as the 2007 Tim Hortons Brier, the annual Canadian men's curling championship, and the West 49 Canadian Open. In 2014, Nitro Circus brought their high-flying, stunt-based show to the arena, marking their first and only stop in Canada.
In November 2022, it was announced that FirstOntario Centre would undergo significant renovations, closing for 20 months starting in late summer 2023. These renovations aim to modernize the facility and enhance the experience for visitors. Although the renovations were delayed, the Toronto Rock lacrosse team will play the entirety of the 2023–24 season in Hamilton, and Cirque du Soleil performances are scheduled before the arena's temporary closure.
As construction begins in May 2024 with completion planned for November 2025, the future of FirstOntario Centre looks bright. The renovations promise to transform the arena into a state-of-the-art facility, ready to host a new era of sports and entertainment events.
FirstOntario Centre stands as a testament to Hamilton's rich sporting history and vibrant entertainment scene. Whether you're catching a thrilling hockey game, attending a concert, or witnessing a spectacular show, this iconic venue continues to be a cornerstone of the city's cultural landscape. So, next time you're in Hamilton, make sure to experience the excitement and energy of FirstOntario Centre!
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