Ontario Construction News staff writer
Greater Sudbury’s new Event Centre has secured its two anchor sports tenants and an experienced operator, marking a major milestone for the $5,800-capacity downtown facility now under construction.
Construction is continuing, with completion scheduled for fall 2028. The facility was designed by Brisbin Brook Beynon (BBB) Architects and PCL Construction has been named the construction manager.
The Event Centre is a key component of the city’s Transformation Project and Downtown Master Plan. Once complete, it is expected to host sports, concerts, live entertainment and community events while contributing to downtown revitalization and creating opportunities for local businesses.
The city announced recently that Sudbury Wolves Sports & Entertainment has signed long-term agreements to make the facility home to the Sudbury Wolves and Sudbury Five, while Oak View Group has been selected to manage and operate the venue.
The agreements are the most significant development in the Event Centre project since construction began in fall 2025, according to the city.
“City Council has always been clear that the investment in a new Event Centre is about more than constructing a building,” the mayor said in a statement. “It is about strengthening our community, creating new opportunities for local sports, attracting major events and entertainment, and providing a place where residents can come together and celebrate what makes Greater Sudbury special.”
“This is a transformational moment for our community and an exciting new chapter for sports and entertainment in Greater Sudbury,” Dario Zulich, owner and CEO of Sudbury Wolves Sports & Entertainment, said in a statement.
“We all play for Sudbury, and we couldn’t be more excited about what comes next,” he said.
Oak View Group was selected following a competitive procurement process to oversee the operation of the new facility.
The global venue-management company operates more than 400 venues across North America, Europe and the Middle East. Its Canadian portfolio includes TD Coliseum in Hamilton, Canada Life Place in London, Ont., Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa, WFCU Centre in Windsor, Penticton Events Centre and Vancouver Island Conference Centre.
“Selecting an experienced venue operator is one of the most important decisions we can make before opening our doors,” Greater Sudbury CAO Shari Lichterman said. “OVG brings the industry relationships, operational expertise and experience needed to position Greater Sudbury for success.”
The city said the agreements could also reduce the Event Centre’s reliance on taxpayer funding compared with the current operating model of the Sudbury Community Arena.
