Oak View Group (OVG) and EllisDon are continuing extensive interior demolition works inside Hamilton’s FirstOntario Centre, a $280 million renovation project that is progressing on time and on schedule.

A groundbreaking ceremony launched renovations in May. The reimagined arena will serve as the centerpiece in revitalizing Hamilton as a premier music, sports and entertainment destination for southwestern Ontario in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area. Partners, stakeholders, and community leaders attended the event.

“We’ve been a long-standing partner of the City of Hamilton through our management of the arena, generating considerable momentum,” said Tim Leiweke, Chairman & CEO of Oak View Group. “Upon completion of this truly transformative investment, the Hamilton Arena will generate substantial economic velocity and serve as a catalyst to the downtown core.

“We have great partners helping us bring this project fully to life and are already looking and planning ahead to the Arena’s re-opening.”

The arena, designed by Brisbin Brook Beynon Architects, is part of a larger downtown revitalization project known as “The Commons,” which includes the renovated convention centre, significant investments in the Art Gallery of Hamilton and concert hall facilities, as well as new residential, office, and retail space development. The Commons project is managed by the Hamilton Urban Precinct Entertainment Group (HUPEG).

EllisDon is overseeing the project which includes the addition of premium seating, clubs, lounges and suites, enhanced acoustics to amplify the listening experience, next generation touchless and self-serve technologies for food & beverage purchases to minimize transaction times and upgraded concourses and concession areas.

Additional upgrades to the venue’s back of house include specially designed artist lounges, upgraded production facilities, electrical and lighting upgrades as well as updates to the arena’s telecommunications infrastructure, wireless network, and video/network/security systems.

“I am thrilled the groundbreaking for the massive re-development of our downtown Hamilton Arena has arrived,” City of Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath said at the groundbreaking. “This investment by international entertainment leader OVG in our city, and downtown core, will put Hamilton firmly on the map as a world-class sports and entertainment destination, spurring job creation, economic revitalization and attracting new visitors to our great city.”