TD Coliseum

TD Coliseum

TD Coliseum, formerly known as FirstOntario Centre, is a large sports and entertainment arena in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It is located at the corner of Bay Street North and York Boulevard. The arena opened in 1985 and was originally called Copps Coliseum. It can hold up to 18,000 people.

Over the years, TD Coliseum has been used for many events. Today, it is most often used for concerts. In the past, it was also a home for different hockey teams, both professional and junior levels. This makes it an important place for fans and visitors in the Hamilton area.

History

Hamilton did not have a big ice hockey venue after the Barton Street Arena was torn down in 1977. Construction on a new arena began in 1983 and finished two years later. It cost $33.5 million, with an extra $2.3 million for a parking garage. The arena was first called Copps Coliseum after Victor Copps, a well-known mayor of Hamilton.

The arena has been home to many teams and events. It hosted the Hamilton Steelhawks hockey team and big tournaments like the 1986 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. Famous moments include a big goal scored by hockey players Gretzky and Lemieux. The arena has also hosted wrestling events, concerts, and other sports like basketball and curling.

In 2014, the arena was renamed FirstOntario Centre. After years of planning, it closed for renovations in 2023 and reopened in 2025 as TD Coliseum.

Images

TD Coliseum (Copps Coliseum), Bay St., looking north

TD Coliseum (Copps Coliseum) Centre

TD Coliseum (FirstOntario Centre) looking east on York Boulevard

The interior of TD Coliseum (FirstOntario Centre) in December 2018