TD Coliseum | ? | 4 fl | Under Construction
 

http://smr.newswire.ca/media/article...d_exterior.jpg

http://smr.newswire.ca/media/article...ating_bowl.jpg

http://smr.newswire.ca/media/article...party_deck.jpg

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http://smr.newswire.ca/media/article...bby_atrium.jpg

http://smr.newswire.ca/media/article...lub_lounge.jpg

New vision for Copps


— Atrium-style lobby with stairs, escalators and elevators to all levels
— New street level retail
— New main concourse
— Club lounge with direct access to the club seating section
— More washrooms
— Food, beverage and bar amenities throughout concourse areas
— New upper concourse to exclusively serve the upper seating bowl
— New upholstered stadium seats
— New “state of the art” video scoreboard
— Capacity for more than 18,000 spectators
— 20 new “bunker suites” located at event level
— New “platinum” restaurant at event level
— 50 mid-level private suites, with bar/buffet facilities, 14- to 16-person capacity
— Four group suites at mid-level with 33- or 42-person capacity
— New suite level restaurant with view of the on-ice action
— New group sales/party deck incorporated into upper seating bowl

Stupid question, but I'll ask anyway.

I know they've replaced a good number of seats at Copps with blue ones, assuming they replaced the whole seat - what did they do with the old ones? Is there any way for someone to get a hold of one of the old seats?

Just give them a call. If they are available they will let you know how you can get them.

Well, sure... if you want to take the simple approach.

Dayum... this is a really nice design. This coupled with the Farmers Market would be a major rejuvenation of York.

Add to that the York streetscape and it's even better; if a team was to move to Hamilton I wouldn't be surprised if developers snatched up land on York and built hotels as well.

Break into the arena and steal them out of the basement?

I guarantee that Hilton hotel at the old HMP site will go up within a year if an NHL team comes here.

Start on that hotel is going to start this spring.

Ah I didn't realize that.

How do you know construction is going to start this spring? It's almost summer...

During the World Junior Championship in Saskatoon I noticed they had videoscreens wrapped around the separation from upper and lower bowl. Yet they don't even have a professional hockey team. Ugh

Would be nice to somehow finance $5-10 million to renovation Copps interior and exterior before the 2015 Pan Am Games.

Looks like Harper is going to announce tomorrow that cities can take money out of the Federal gas tax to fund arenas.

He should announce that cities can use the Federal gas tax to fund transit.

Private sector funds $240K arena study

http://www.thespec.com/opinion-story...k-arena-study/

The second phase of a $240,000 study on updating the aging city-owned FirstOntario Centre is now underway thanks to billionaire Ron Joyce and other private sector funders.

When complete, the study will include costed options for a possible two-phase transformation of the 30-year-old downtown arena.

The first phase could see the lower bowl turned into a state-of-the-art 8,000 or so seat facility.

The second phase could see the entire building upgraded to 21{+s}t-century NHL standards.

Along with Joyce, the Carmen's Group, FirstOntario Credit Union, LIUNA, and Fengate Capital have contributed money to pay for the study, according to Jasper Kujavsky, the consultant and lawyer who's stickhandling the initiative for the city.

Kujavsky declined to say if there are also other unnamed partners participating.

"I'm very excited and looking forward to when people can actually get a visual sense of what this building is capable of," he said.

That's expected to happen, complete with concept renderings, by late June

The report will also include a preliminary evaluation of turning the district around the 17,000-seat FirstOntario Centre — formerly called Copps Coliseum — into a sports/entertainment/hospitality precinct, which could include a new convention centre.

Mayor Fred Eisenberger says he's delighted the private sector stepped up to fund a detailed appraisal of the aging facility, which the city may have had difficulty finding the money for.

"I think the review or study of this is fundamentally important. Full Stop."

Eisenberger looks upon the private sector help as a "charitable donation" that comes with no strings attached if and when the city decides to upgrade or repurpose the arena and the surrounding area.

"They have a clear understanding that if some decision was made to expand or retrofit or whatever that a competitive process would ensue and they may or may not decide to be part of it."

Eisenberger is also pleased at the "positive and creative" way the review came together.

The city hired Kujavsky to co-ordinate it last year. In return for a $50,000 fee, Kujavsky undertook to drum up the necessary support.

He initially raised $100,000 to review the mechanical, electrical, structural and maintenance systems. He then raised an additional $140,000 to look at modernizing options, the piece now underway.

Kujavsky commissioned Toronto-based Brisbin Brook Beynon Architects (BBB) to do both the short and long-term work.

BBB are internationally recognized experts in sports-related venues. Among other facilities, they designed the Air Canada Centre in Toronto and led renovations at Madison Square Gardens in New York, Calgary's Saddledome, and Edmonton's Rexall Place.

According to Kujavsky, BBB's initial report, which hasn't been released, shows that FirstOntario Centre is in good shape. Certain features and designs elements need refreshing, but overall it has "good bones."

Kujavsky notes the load-bearing capacity of the roof has proven to be a significant part of the appraisal.

"It goes without saying that a roof designed 30 years ago is not the same as a roof designed today. Buildings have changed in regards to their load-bearing capacity and it's a fact that touring shows today have heavier rigs and lighting equipment."

Presumably, the second part of the study will provide options for dealing with that and other issues.

Kujavsky estimates that full transformation into an NHL-ready arena would cost about $300 million. He figures a standalone lower bowl conversion would cost about $100 million.

Obviously, the city is not in position to afford either at the moment. But as city manager Chris Murray noted when he hired Kujavsky, the review will spell out the kind of money needed to maintain the building in its current form, as well as prepare the city to take advantage of any opportunities that may arise.

The fact that the city is getting a $240,000 report in return for a $50,000 payment to Kujavsky is a pretty good ROI. And, hopefully, the private sector's involvement sets the stage for the day when options become actions.

Possible NHL franchise in the future if the arena gets enough money and upgrades? :hmmm:

That would be fantastic!!!

Oh no, lets not go down this street again...

Yea, I'm pretty sure nothing will come of this (re: NHL).

I'm just glad it's private money being wasted on this and not public money.

good piece of business. a $240,000 study for $50,000.

hopefully the City looks at more of these out of the box partnerships

Dreschel: FirstOntario Centre reno options laid out in new report
‘Massive’ study is in, but we won't get a peek for some weeks

http://www.thespec.com/opinion-story...in-new-report/
Hamilton Spectator
By Andrew Dreschel

A $240,000 private sector report on options for updating the aging city-owned FirstOntario Centre has finally landed at Hamilton City Hall.

Urban renewal manager Glen Norton says the "massive" study is being analyzed by staff in preparation for presentation to councillors early in the new year.

"There's a lot to look at and a lot to think about," said Norton. "It's a very detailed and comprehensive look at the condition of FirstOntario Centre and what it needs."

The study includes costed options for a major upgrade and partial and full renovations of the 30-year-old downtown arena, formerly known as Copps Coliseum.

The partial renovation involves turning the lower bowl into a state-of-the-art 8,000 or so seat facility with extensive remodelling of some hospitality and operational facilities.

The full renovation would see the entire 17,000-seat building uplifted to 21{+s}t-century NHL and other pro sports standards.

The report and construction costs remain confidential. But it's anticipated a full transformation would cost under $300 million while a partial renovation would be under $100 million.

The study is also expected to explore the possibility of the development of an entertainment precinct in and around a rejuvenated arena, which could include updated or new convention and hospitality facilities.

It's also believed to include information about the potential location of a lacrosse franchise in Hamilton.

The report was prepared by Toronto-based Brisbin Brook Beynon Architects (BBB), internationally known experts in sports-related venues whose clients include the NHL and NBA.

BBB designed, among other facilities, the Air Canada Centre in Toronto and led renovations at Madison Square Garden in New York and Calgary's Scotiabank Saddledome.

The origin of the study is unusual to say the least.

It was commissioned last year by city manager Chris Murray after he was approached by local lawyer and development consultant Jasper Kujavsky with an unsolicited offer he couldn't refuse.

In return for a $50,000 fee, Kujavsky undertook to drum up $240,000 in private sector funding to pay for the BBB study.

Billionaire Ron Joyce, the Carmen's Group, FirstOntario Credit Union, LIUNA and Fengate Capital all contributed money to the study.

....

I can easily see this being the new stadium/LRT debacle. Fight over whether we should spend $100 or $300 million for partial or full renovation. Some might even want start from scratch instead of reno.

This may distract them from the LRT debate.

Am I missing something? :slob:

This arena was built for an NHL team that never came. Why would rebuild it for another NHL team that's never coming? Is there some other reason we need a 17000 seat arena built to NHL standards?

As long as no public monies go into it, I couldn't care less.

For the amount the upper level gets used, and is likely to be used for a long while, a full renovation is not worthwhile. Minimal rehab and maybe replacement of seats might be required up there (and maybe there's an alternative to the black curtains, though they don't bother me much) but I'd rather see them focus on the concourses and lower bowl if any kind of major investment happens.

I think it makes sense to keep the upper level in usable condition. Copps/FOC may have been overbuilt, but it has hosted some large events the city may not otherwise have had a shot at hosting with a smaller building (tournaments, big concerts) and that capacity is nice to have available.

Agree though, any major investment should not include public money.

they should demolish the eatons center while they are at it.. it's been a ghost town of poverty since eatons left.

The Eaton's Centre is really nice inside, it's just too bad there's no reason to go in there...

I will admit when the lights on the arches along the ceiling are all on around christmas time it looks really cool - it just feels awful inside. Discount stores, businesses peppered here and there, a completely vacant food court...

I used to go there as a kid when eatons was still in there and it was PACKED. Maybe with the student residences going into the william thomas building across from it it will help it out? I personally think they really need to open up the exterior entrances.. the outside of the eatons center is like a prison almost.

the only thing that saved that building is the fact the city has offices on the second floor.

It is really nice - just needs work. Maybe opening it up to James Street.

I totally agree on opening it up to james st.

If I had a nickel! ;)

It's a white elephant but a demo would be a massive deal so...

unlikely, Hamilton City Centre is owned and run by Partners Real Estate Investment Trust which mostly runs garbage malls and plazas just like HCC.

city actually has offices on the 2nd and 3rd floors.

I stand corrected lol

I don't think it is worth spending $100 million to upgrade it for events like the Memorial Cup which is basically a one off.

agreed. the venue still gets its fair share of >10K concerts and those make more money than a Memorial cup once every 20 years at best.

so many other infrastructure issues to tackle with limited pot of money. First Ontario Centre is so far down the list. of course if a private donor wants to go in on their own, no one is stopping them.

having said that the elevator and escalator issues should be addressed as part of the ongoing annual maintenance budget.

Excerpt from CBC Hamilton, March 8, 2015:

Unconfirmed reports this weekend say that the Hamilton Bulldogs, a Montreal Canadiens farm team, are moving to St. John's, N.L.. The team wouldn't confirm or deny, but a media report says a deal could be reached this week.

Coun. Terry Whitehead, who chairs the professional sports committee, said it would be sad if the Bulldogs left. The committee's original mandate was to bring an NHL team to Hamilton.

The committee is keeping a close eye on developments, Whitehead said. But he's not worried that Hamilton will be without major hockey.

"I'm not nervous at all," said Whitehead, a Ward 8 councillor. "It's too big a market. It's too big of an arena to ignore." ....

If the Bulldogs move, Whitehead said, it would create "a catacomb" at FirstOntario Centre.

"You need a tenant," he said. "Without a main tenant, it's no different than having a stadium without the Tiger-Cats. Whether it's an OHL team or an AHL team, it's important that there is a high calibre of hockey that continues."

Wondering if this issue doesn't have the potential to pry an incumbent loose in 2018.

DRESCHEL: Arena reno report delayed until April

Hamilton Spectator
By Andrew Dreschel
http://www.thespec.com/opinion-story...d-until-april/


We're going to have to wait a little longer for the release of the much anticipated private sector report on options for updating the aged city-owned FirstOntario Centre.

The $240,000 study, which has been in the city's hands for several months, will now go before councillors April 5 instead of March 22 as planned.

The debate has been pushed back so Mayor Fred Eisenberger and Glen Norton, director of economic development, can attend the meeting, said John Hertel, director of strategic partnerships and revenue generation, who's now handling the file as part of the city's land development task force.

Eisenberger and Norton are expected to be away on a trade mission to Germany at the time of the original March date. Hertel says both men want to be present when staff finally presents the report laying out costed options for the 30-year-old downtown arena, formerly known as Copps Coliseum.

Council will likely have no appetite for committing itself to an immediate course of action given the city's deepening budget challenges.

But the fact the faded arena was an element in why Hamilton recently lost out on hosting the Canadian Hockey League's Memorial Cup tournament indicates the time has come to seriously discuss its future entertainment and economic development role.

The report by international venue experts Brisbin Brook Beynon Architects (BBB) includes both a technical analysis of every physical aspect of the centre and spells out two costly makeover options.

One involves turning the lower bowl into a state-of-the-art 8,000-or-so seat facility. The other is a full renovation, elevating the 17,000-seat building to current NHL and other pro league standards.

Though the report remains confidential, the first option is believed to be in the $70-million range while the second clocks in at around $250 million.

......

http://media.zuza.com/4/7/4785c99d-b....3_Gallery.jpg

I hope there's an option where $0.00 is spent...

There's never that option. They always start these reviews with the presupposition that we need to keep the thing. Then they hire a sports venue consultant which of course will tell you there's huge value in sports venues. Similar to the Chedoke golf course report, they hire a golf course consultant who then tells them that public golf courses are really important.

Though to be fair, this is a private report so no doubt it will tell them they need to pump a bunch of money into some kind of PPP.

I'd really rather not see public money wasted on this...

If the mechanical systems need updating, fine. But the rest of the stadium is still doing its job. In all my visits to watch hockey games I've never noticed any issues with the concession stands, or with the seating, or any other areas of the venue. The jumbotron is fine too.

The cupholders suck. That's my only complaint, but we don't need to spend $70-250 million dollars to fix cupholders.

Its still serviceable. It hosted an 18,000 person concert last night. Keep it in a state of good repair. Fix the broken escalator. Make the necessary repairs to the roof. Replace the upper bowl seats when the time comes.

No reason it cant last another 30 years.

went to the concert last night and it was a full house ! very nostalgic to be in that stadium ... could definitely use a makeover just to freshen up its image and maybe some exterior work to update the facade
we are very lucky to have a really good sized venue like that here in Hamilton.. it would be a shame to let it go to waste and fall apart

There should be a renovation option, say $25 million to fix the roof, repair the escalator, and maybe enough to replace the white facade with something more creative like steel mesh, pretty inexpensive.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...5d85b628fc.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/jos5s/arch...nned-by-josss/

A lighter-cost reno option should be on the table.

I'd be wary of an inexpensive reclad though... on a building like this, it could look uber-cheap.

Aside from the utilitarian concourse, lack of 4-star amenities and luxury boxes, I really don't get the criticism that it's a "relic" -- the basics are still there and in good shape and work beautifully for the average crowd. After all, 'the play's the thing'... and Copps/FOC has staged so many of those, and will continue to for the foreseeable future without tens and tens of millions of bucks pumped into its innards and outards.

Yeah fix the roof and the escalator. If McCartney is going to come to town, people are going to go. Most people aren't sitting in luxury boxes anyways, and general admission anywhere is just a floor anywhere.

Don’t renovate FirstOntario Centre: city staff

Hamilton Spectator
By Matthew Van Dongen
http://www.thespec.com/news-story/72...re-city-staff/

City officials are recommending against major renovations to the aging FirstOntario Centre — including a $250-million "NHL-ready" conversion — outlined in a new private sector-funded study.

That $250,000-renovation study, by international venue experts Brisbin Brook Beynon Architects (BBB), was commissioned in 2015 after local lawyer Jasper Kujavsky offered to drum up private sector cash to pay for the research.

The city has had the study since late last year. But it stayed under wraps as city staff crafted an accompanying recommendations report for council, which is now public online in advance of an April 5 meeting.

City staff calls the renovations study a "valuable tool" but also recommend taking no action on the two renovation scenarios explored. Those included:


•a $68-million "remodeling" designed to extend the life of the 31-year-old building, add modern concessions and luxury boxes to the lower bowl;

•a $252-million full-scale renovation designed to turn the 17,000-seat facility into an "NHL-quality professional sports and entertainment facility."

Instead, city facility managers recommend essentially sticking to the status quo, "prioritizing capital needs that relate to health and safety and legislative compliance."

The city currently sets aside $800,000 a year for capital upgrades shared among the FirstOntario Centre, FirstOntario Concert Hall and Hamilton Convention Centre.

It's unclear if any of those "health and safety needs" encompass infrastructure issues identified as factors that contributed to Hamilton's lost bid to host the upcoming Memorial Cup tournament.

The Hamilton Bulldogs had made a pitch to host the event, but the Canadian Hockey League identified the state of the former coliseum as a "concern."

Current issues include an escalator that has been broken for three years or more and a main elevator prone to problems.

The city is in the midst of a 2017 budget crunch that has so far spurred council to get rid of 23 managers and administrative staff and put off planned transit improvements.

Hamilton also estimates it already spends $195 million less on infrastructure upgrades, particularly to roads, than needed every year.

Making Hamilton's FirstOntario Centre 'NHL-ready' would cost $250M
City staff recommend against large-scale renovation to the city's signature events venue

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilt...250m-1.4046406

A new study pegs the cost of renovating the FirstOntario Centre to an "NHL-ready" point at $252 million, but city staff say there are other much more urgent budget issues to deal with instead.

The renovation one of two options outlined in a new study of the city's signature hockey and events venue, scheduled to be presented to city councillors next Wednesday.

That NHL-ready option consists of a "complete transformation" of the 32-year-old, 17,000-seat building complex.

The other option costs $68 million and would be a "partial upgrade" and add modern boxes and concessions to the lower bowl.

City staff say they don't recommend pursuing either option.

"Based on the cost of the proposed renovations and the uncertainty of whether Hamilton could attract a tenant that could fully utilize a modern 18,000 seat arena, staff recommends that the city does not move forward with either renovation option at this point in time," a report from city finance staff states.

That recommendation is likely to go over well with some councillors.

Before even seeing the report, Coun. Sam Merulla said earlier this month the issue "shouldn't even be on the back burner."

"You know that drawer at the bottom of the stove that nobody uses? That's where it belongs."

Currently the city sets aside $800,000 a year for upgrades to the arena, the convention centre and the concert hall — "prioritizing capital needs that relate to health and safety and legislative compliance." It also has set aside another $100,000 for the concert hall for the next four years.

Rejecting either or both of these renovation options doesn't change that, the report states.

The Canadian Hockey League rejected Hamilton's recent Memorial Cup bid this year partly because of problems with the arena.

https://i.cbc.ca/1.4046563.149082205...t-art-2017.png
This re-imagination of the exterior of First Ontario Centre that is part of a consultants report on how to upgrade the aging arena. (BBB Architects)

Here's the link to the report:

http://hamilton.siretechnologies.com...7090649748.PDF