The greatest games. The biggest shows. The best experiences in the nation’s capital happen here. Take an in-depth look at Ottawa-Gatineau’s world-class entertainment venue.
As part of a bid to win a National Hockey League franchise for Ottawa, Terrance Corporation unveiled a proposal for a new arena at a press conference in September 1989. Land was acquired on the western boarder of Kanata in May 1989.
The arena’s architectural design was inspired by The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Both designed by Detroit-based architects Rossetti Architects.
Once financing was in place, construction took 18-months, finishing on January 18, 1996, with a concert from Bryan Adams. The first NHL game took place two days later with the Ottawa Senators playing the Montreal Canadiens.
Today, the venue brings in world-class entertainment, hosts exciting NHL hockey games with the Ottawa Senators and NLL lacrosse games with the Ottawa Black Bears.