After an 18-month, $300-million transformation, the iconic downtown Hamilton arena formerly known as FirstOntario Centre has officially re-emerged as TD Coliseum, a state-of-the-art entertainment hub that’s ready to change the way Southern Ontario does live events.
Think: sleek design, premium hospitality, smart tech everywhere you look, and food offerings that could stand alone as a date-night lineup.
And naturally, it debuted with a sold-out show from Sir Paul McCartney (on November 21)… because Hamilton isn’t playing small anymore.
a glow-up designed for the ultimate night out
If you’ve ever planned a concert or game date night in a big city, you know the drill: crazy traffic or unpredictable public transit, long lines, confusing entry points, the absolute nightmare of getting out of there, and a hunt for decent food that doesn’t feel like a compromise at fine dining prices.
Maybe, just maybe, we’re a little tired of the downtown Toronto scene, and wouldn’t mind attending concert events just a relaxing train ride away… TD Coliseum essentially studied the pain of downtown concert venues (really sorry, Toronto) and said, “No to all of that”
The reimagined 463,000-square-foot venue blends design, hospitality, tech, and convenience to build a frictionless, modern experience. Translation: it’s the kind of place where your date night feels smooth and intentional, not chaotic.
There’s even a TD Coliseum Mobile App so you can map your route in advance, check out vantage points, browse merch, upgrade to a premium add-on, or just make sure you’re not walking the concourse in circles. Real planners, you’ll love this.
“We reimagined TD Coliseum for Hamilton and the fans who bring it to life,” says Nick DeLuco, Senior Vice President and General Manager. “Every improvement was designed to make your concert or event more enjoyable and memorable.”
Sounds datenight approved to us.
food that makes you want to arrive early
TD Coliseum’s new culinary program is one of its biggest flexes, a food lineup that’s legitimately worthy of its own night out.
Curated by OVG Hospitality, the menu spotlights local purveyors, regional ingredients, and big-name culinary partners. You’ll find from their concession partners:
- Fizzy Feathers’ Buffalo Chicken Poutine – Event Level, section 111 & Street Level, section 113
- Dip City’s French Dip sandwiches – Street Level, section 118
- Soy’s Shrimp Gyoza – Street Level, section 114
- Casa Escobar’s Carnitas Nachos – Upper Level, section 206
- more classic arena favourites like footlong hot dogs, soft pretzels, pizza and more
Plus, the sweet-tooth and snack essentials include classic Mister Softee ice cream, local favourites like Comeback Snacks popcorn, mini donuts… even artisan selections from The Cheese Boutique! Basically everything you need to emotionally process a last-minute opening act.
And then there’s the elevated menu full of star power: Matty Matheson brings Matty’s Patty’s and Rizzo’s House of Parm to the Coliseum, and his involvement doesn’t stop there!
Shaq’s Big Chicken makes its Canadian debut at the TD Coliseum.
The Iron Cow Public House, powered by Matheson and run by Our House H.C., opens early December as a full-service restaurant open on both event and non-event days.
We got a sneak peek of it, but we weren’t allowed to snap photos so you’ll have to wait a little bit longer to see this stunning space! The entrance and interior of the restaurant is truly an experience in itself and ultra photo-worthy.
For drinks, Asahi Canada provides premium global beers including Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Asahi Super Dry, Grolsch Pilsner, Kozel Lager, and Pilsner Urquell – at concessions stands and in the House of Peroni lounge.
While Ace Beverage Group brings Cottage Springs ready-to-drink beverages and the spirit of the Canadian cottage to the arena with a custom-built on-site activation space located on Level 2, designed to be the ultimate hang out zone for guests!
Signature drinks like the Charcuterie Caesar and the “Blackbird” Berry Smash will be featured at bars throughout the venue, complemented by Pepsi and Celsius products. And wine lovers, Peller Estates has your back offering an outstanding lineup of locally produced wines, available throughout concessions and premium bar outlets.
premium spaces worth planning a date night around
If you’re the kind of couple that loves an elevated experience, TD Coliseum nine innovative Event Level Suites that offer premium suite hospitality with direct visual access to the arena bowl, along with 15 100-level suites, offering great views and luxurious amenities.
Premium Clubs provide unique atmospheres across multiple levels: TD Lounge – the arena’s most premium club with passed hors d’oeuvres and craft cocktails.
Rogers Club is a refined dining destination serving up a seasonal menu. It’s an expansive and comfortable place for pre-show drinks or dinner whether you’re lounging on their couches or at a table.
House of Peroni is a laid back setting with fun bites and signature cocktails, think casual-chic and ideal for pre-show drinks. There’s also a direct view from this premium space into the arena with a truly prime view and seating.
Vinyl Room is a premium, vinyl-inspired lounge that blends modern design with elevated dining and immersive music experiences. Stepping inside brings you into a music lover’s haven with Canadian artist and band’s memorabilia decorating the walls, a killer playlist on loop, and iconic spaces bringin the vinyl theme throughout the whole space.
This room will also have its own exclusive menu that you won’t find at any other spots in the TD Coliseum!
The Event Level Club is a the social heart of the venue for pre and post-show gatherings. It’s scattered with additional concession vendors, second locations of vendors that exist on the upper level, and premium spaces.
Each has its own energy and, yes, they’re all very Instagrammable. All clubs and lounges offer distinct settings for member-only guests to enjoy rotating menus, craft cocktails, and personalized services.
big energy & a big season ahead
TD Coliseum’s reopening season is stacked with date-night potential. Early highlights include:
- mgk – December 8
- Andrea Bocelli – December 9
- Brad Paisley – December 12
- Jonas Brothers – December 14
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra – December 28
- Matt Rife – December 30
- Toronto Rock home opener – December 13
- PWHL Takeover Tour Game – January 3 (arena’s first ever hockey game!)
- 2026 JUNO Awards will Broadcast live on CBC from TD Coliseum – March 29
Additional events are being announced on an ongoing basis.
Keep your eyes out for more happenings outside of Toronto for day trips and weekend getaways to explore more of Ontario here!
