$290M renovation of Hamilton's FirstOntario Centre underway, concerts to take stage next year

Hamilton's revampedFirstOntario Centre will reopen in just over a year, with major eventsalready being booked for late 2025, says one of the developers.

The $290-million renovation project is on schedule and on budget, and has attracted a slew of investors, Tom Pistore, Oak View Group Canada president, told councillorsat a general issues committee meeting Monday.

The Oak View Group is developing the arena along with the Hamilton Urban Precinct Entertainment Group.

"We feel enthusiastic," Pistore said.

Demolition is underway. Then, the arena will get a makeover to include enhanced acoustics, improved sight lines, expanded concession areas and premium seating options, says a city staff report.

The project is being backed by at least one big-name investor, said Pistore.

The investor hasn't been officially announcedyet, but Pistore gave hints: He's from Hamilton, is anMVP candidate in theNBA and just returned from the Olympics.

"I will let you glean who that might be," said Pistore. "He is absolutely excited to be part of the project as well."

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander comes to mind. He was anintegral part of Canada's men's basketball team in Paris,currentlyplays with Oklahoma City's Thunder and grew up in Hamilton.

The arena will also include arestaurant,opento the public, by a Canadian "global icon" to be announced soon, said Pistore.

Concerts in high demand

Coun. Cameron Kroetsch, who represents the downtown ward, noted that for years, Hamilton has been overshadowed by Toronto when it comes to attracting tours.

That will no longer be a problem, said Pistore.

There's currently a huge demand in southern Ontario for concerts andnot enough Toronto venues to keep up, he said.

The Hamilton arena will serve as a "relief valve" booking popular acts for the west Greater Toronto Area (GTA)audience, Pistore said.

The same group of developers will be renovating theHamilton Convention Centre, a $10-million project to be finished late next year, the staff report says.

The ballrooms and kitchen will be upgraded, and there will be improvements tothe building's structural and mechanicalcomponents. Convention centre programming will continue throughout the renovations.