A New Era Begins: Greater Sudbury Secures Strategic Partnerships for the New Event Centre

The future of entertainment in Greater Sudbury took a major step forward today as the City announced three landmark agreements that establish the organizations that will operate and anchor the new Event Centre.

Sudbury Wolves Sports & Entertainment (SWSE) has signed long-term agreements to make the new downtown Event Centre the home of the Sudbury Wolves and Sudbury Five, while Oak View Group (OVG), the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, has been selected to manage the facility, as well as provide hospitality, premium services and community partnerships.

Together, the agreements mark the most significant milestone in the Event Centre project since construction began in fall 2025, positioning the facility to attract premier sports and entertainment while delivering exceptional experiences for residents and visitors for decades to come.

"City Council has always been clear that the investment in a new Event Centre is about more than constructing a building. 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. With SWSE and Oak View Group Canada as long-term partners, we are taking an important step toward delivering on that vision," said the Mayor of the City of Greater Sudbury.

Sudbury Wolves Sports & Entertainment to Call the New Event Centre Home

The new Event Centre will become the home of the Sudbury Wolves and Sudbury Five, ensuring two of Greater Sudbury's most recognized sports franchises continue to inspire fans and bring the community together in a modern, purpose-built facility.

For generations, the Sudbury Wolves have been a source of civic pride, creating lasting memories for fans and helping shape Greater Sudbury's sporting identity. Together with the Sudbury Five, SWSE brings thousands of residents and visitors together each year through sport, helping create the energy and atmosphere that will make the new Event Centre a year-round destination.

The new Event Centre will elevate the fan experience with modern amenities, improved accessibility and premium seating designed to enhance every game and event. As the Event Centre's primary sports tenant, SWSE will help establish the facility as a vibrant, year-round destination for sports, entertainment and community events. The long-term agreements provide a strong foundation for the Event Centre from opening day, supporting downtown activity, attracting visitors and creating memorable experiences for residents and fans. The Sudbury Wolves agreement has an initial term of 15 years, while the Sudbury Five agreement has an initial term of 10 years. Both agreements include an option to renew for an additional term of equal length. 

“This is a transformational moment for our community and an exciting new chapter for sports and entertainment in Greater Sudbury. At SWSE, our mission is to engage, unite and inspire Greater Sudburians through sports and entertainment, and this new Event Centre gives us an extraordinary opportunity to bring that mission to life on an even greater scale.

The Wolves have been part of the fabric of this community for generations, and the back-to-back champion Sudbury Five have built a remarkable culture of their own, giving our city another team and another reason to come together with pride. We are incredibly proud of both organizations and excited to give their players, fans and future generations a first-class home.

This is about much more than where our teams play. It’s about creating a place where families, fans and visitors come together, where unforgettable moments are made, and where we continue to build pride and energy throughout Greater Sudbury.

We all play for Sudbury, and we couldn’t be more excited about what comes next,” said Dario Zulich, Owner and CEO of Sudbury Wolves Sports & Entertainment.

Oak View Group Selected to Operate the Event Centre

Following a competitive procurement process, the City selected Oak View Group to manage and operate the new 5,800 capacity Event Centre.

OVG is a global leader in venue management, operating more than 400 venues across North America, Europe and the Middle East and bringing extensive expertise in venue operations, premium hospitality, event programming and entertainment partnerships.

In Canada, OVG manages a portfolio of management and hospitality accounts, including TD Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario; Canada Life Place in London, Ontarop; Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa, Ontario; WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario; Penticton Events Centre in Penticton, B.C.; and Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo, B.C. OVG's Hospitality team provides services to Rogers Stadium and Enercare Centre in Toronto.
 
By partnering with Oak View Group, the City gains access to established entertainment industry networks, specialized operational expertise and proven best practices from hundreds of venues worldwide. This expertise will support the successful opening of the Event Centre while helping position Greater Sudbury to attract a diverse calendar of sports, concerts and live entertainment.

OVG will oversee all aspects of Event Centre operations, including event bookings and promotions, ticketing, premium seating and box office services, food and beverage operations, sponsorships, and facility operations and maintenance. The agreement is for an initial term of 10 years, with the option to renew for an additional 10-year period. OVG will also make a significant capital contribution to the facility, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the success of the Event Centre.

"Selecting an experienced venue operator is one of the most important decisions we can make before opening our doors," said Shari Lichterman, Greater Sudbury CAO. "OVG brings the industry relationships, operational expertise and experience needed to position Greater Sudbury for success. Their team will help attract concerts, sporting events and other live entertainment, maximize opportunities for sponsorships and premium experiences, and support the successful opening and long-term operation of the Event Centre."

“We look forward to partnering with SWSE and the City of Sudbury on creating a world-class, state-of-the-art Event Centre here in Sudbury designed to attract top-notch entertainment, attract more visitors from across Ontario into Sudbury, and ultimately, generate a boost to the economic impact on the region,” said Tom Pistore, President, Oak View Group, Canada. “Sudbury is ready for a new arena and we’re excited to be part of this project.”

Together, the City's partnership with OVG and long-term agreements with SWSE establish a strong foundation for the Event Centre's future. Beyond strengthening sport tourism, increasing visitor spending and attracting regional, national and international events, the agreements also provide the potential to reduce operating impacts through a share of operating profits and protection from operating deficits.  These agreements enable the new Event Centre to operate with significantly less reliance on taxpayer funding compared to the current operating model of the Sudbury Community Arena.

Construction of the new Event Centre continues to advance, with completion scheduled for fall 2028. As a cornerstone of the City's Transformation Project and Downtown Master Plan, the facility will become a premier destination for sports, concerts, entertainment and community events while helping strengthen the downtown, attract visitors and create new opportunities for residents and businesses alike.