Introducing the TD Coliseum in Hamilton
What was once known as Copps Coliseum and later FirstOntario Centre in downtown Hamilton is almost ready in its new iteration. From now on, the arena/venue will be known as TD Coliseum. Interesting that another bank is taking on ScotiaBank when it comes to venue naming rights, huh?
Anyway, the place–completed in 1985 at a cost of $42 million–was taken over by Oak View Group, a company that deals in large venues. The current refurbishment project will cost somewhere in the neighbourhood of $290 million(!!!) and will be open for business later this year. Right now, the first show will be by Andrea Bocelli on December 9 followed by Brad Paisely on December 12. And let’s not forget that Hamilton will host the JUNOS there on March 29.
We don’t know much about the naming rights deal with TD, but it is a multi-year thing that’s more than the $350,000 FirstOntario (a credit union) was paying.
Everything in the building is being upgraded to 21st century standards: Suites, lounges, clubs, a VIP area (the TD Lounge), and special artist lounges.
If things turn out to be as good as they appear, people in Southern Ontario can expect more big-name concerts. And Oak View Group is also talking about some kind of “professional sports team.” Huh.
OVG Canada is promising more news very soon.
