$280M deal signed in revitalization of Hamilton’s FirstOntario Centre

The City of Hamilton has signed a $280 million renovation deal with the Oak View Group (OVG) and the Hamilton Urban Precinct Entertainment Group (HUPEG) to begin major renovations at the FirstOntario Centre.

The announcement was made at a press conference Wednesday that was led by leaders of the project’s partners and Mayor Andrea Horwath.

Work to bring the current plans to life is set to begin in spring 2024, with an expected opening to take place in the fall of 2025.

In a joint statement released by all three parties, they say the renovation will serve to create “a venue that will be the centerpiece in revitalizing the city’s position as a premier music, sports and entertainment destination.” for the GTHA.

The project being led by OVG, the largest developer of sport and live entertainment venues globally, will have the facility transformed into an 18,000-seat venue with premium features.

Project leaders say the developers will help to accommodate larger shows alongside Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena.

OVG has announced a partnership with leading entertainment company Live Nation for bookings at the venue. Live Nation brings over 40,000 shows to stages across the globe annually with some of the world’s biggest stars, including Taylor Swift’s record-smashing “The Eras Tour”.

“We are committed to delivering a facility that will completely transform the downtown area with its accessibility, technology forward improvements and priority on sustainability.” says Chairman and CEO of OVG Tim Leiweke.

The “Hamilton Arena Project” being designed by Brisbin Brook Beynon Architects is a part of the border downtown revitalization project dubbed “The Commons” that includes significant investments in reimagined arena and convention centre, along with in Art Gallery of Hamilton, concert hall facilities and new residential, office and retail developments.

“We are deeply committed to this city and its future, and we look forward to driving the changes that will bring a new vibrancy to the downtown core.” said PJ Mercanti, HUPEG president and CEO.

The FirstOntario Concert Hall and the Hamilton Convention Centre are expected to remain open and continue to host events during the planned renovations.

The City of Hamilton and the Hamilton Urban Precinct Entertainment Group (HUPEG) first released plans for the overhaul of the concert hall and convention centre in June following months of secrecy around the project.

Renovations were intended to begin in September up until a push was announced in March to allow for Grey Cup events to be held at the venue this month.