Sudbury’s upcoming arena and event center plans were revealed by city officials in a downtown press conference on Tuesday. The new facility, set to replace the 74-year-old Sudbury Community Arena, is scheduled for construction as contractors gear up to begin work.
Back in April 2024, the city council approved a $200 million budget for the project. The Toronto-based Brisbin Brook Beynon (BBB) Architects are behind the design of the event space, located at the intersection of Brady, Minto, Shaughnessy, and Van Horne Streets. PCL Construction has been chosen to manage the construction.
The arena aims to host a variety of cultural events beyond just sports, according to BBB partner Chris O’Reilly. The design emphasizes community engagement and creating lasting memories for visitors. The exterior of the building features a unique curved design with a glass concourse wrapping around the surrounding streets.
The facility will have seating capacities of 5,800 for hockey games, 6,200 for basketball games, and 7,200 for concerts. Mayor Paul Lefebvre anticipates that construction materials will start arriving at the site by winter, with concrete and steel installation expected to begin next summer.
City officials collaborated with local groups, including the Anishinaabe and First Nations communities, to ensure the design respects Indigenous traditions. The project includes a ceremonial east-side entrance for Indigenous gatherings. Mayor Lefebvre expressed pride in the investment, highlighting the center’s significance for the growing city.
Regarding the current arena, plans for its future use are pending city staff recommendations to council, expected within the next year.
