COMING SOON! Downtown@MIP at McMaster Innovation Park, a collaborative space for start-ups, entrepreneurs and researchers, will add conference space for 500, a 300-seat lecture hall and green space for outdoor events to the existing 11,000 sq. ft. of modular meeting space. In Q4, 2023, a $500-million mixed-use redevelopment plan by Hamilton Urban Precinct Entertainment Group (HUPEG) breaks ground in the downtown core, with the most extensive renovations taking place at FirstOntario Centre. PJ Mercanti, HUPEG president and CEO of Carmen’s Group, says, “We have joined forces with the world’s largest developer of arenas,” referring to their partnership with Oak View Group (OVG), a global leader in sports and entertainment whose recent developments include Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena and UBS Arena at Belmont Park in New York. “We intend to bring the facility up to modern, world-class standards,” says Mercanti. “Improvements will come in the form of a new exterior facade and video board, as well as an expanded concourse level that will provide new and improved food and beverage offerings, along with more premium and club space. Ultimately, we are seeking to enhance the fan and guest experience with modernized spaces and improved technological investments.” The redevelopment plan includes renovations to FirstOntario Concert Hall and Hamilton Convention Centre by Carmen’s. Both facilities will be modernized and receive new aesthetic enhancements to their exterior facades. “The Concert Hall has outstanding acoustic integrity that will be unaffected, however, we are seeking to provide enhanced food and beverage offerings. The Convention Centre will receive some much needed new flooring, wall and ceiling upgrades, as well as expanded spaces in order to accommodate larger events,” says Mercanti. The city has a proven track record for hosting major events, including the FIFA Men’s World Cup CONCACAF Qualifier and NHL Heritage Classic earlier this year. It is also welcoming the Canadian Association of Exposition Management annual conference this June. Mercanti says the goal is “to make Hamilton a destination in Southern Ontario for big events, which will help to fill beds in our newly constructed hotels, fill seats in our thriving new restaurants and fill shops and galleries.” The walkable downtown is pulsing with energy as it re-emerges with a complete transformation, thanks to an eclectic mix of coffee shops and restaurants, live entertainment venues and boutique shopping. Minutes from the core, Hamilton’s lively waterfront boasts historic attractions, scenic trails and promenades, boat and trolley tours and musical performances. HAMILTON: An exciting new revitalization project is in the works for Hamilton, Ont., that will bring a renewed vitality to the city’s cultural and entertainment district. With substantial modernization and enhancements planned for some of the city’s main event venues—accompanied by state-of-the-art conference and sporting venues, ample accommodation, a flourishing culinary and music scene and plenty of attractions—you’re going to want to take a fresh new look at this vibrant city in Southern Ontario. On the Rise AT A GLANCE Accommodation: 1,500+ hotel rooms (with 400 coming soon) Getting here: John C. Munro Hamilton Airport (Swoop, WestJet); close to Toronto Pearson and Buffalo Niagara; hourly GO train from Union Station Venues: • FirstOntario Centre— 17,500-seat arena; 90,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space • FirstOntario Concert Hall—2,181 seats • Hamilton Convention Centre—80,000 sq. ft. of flexible space; 22 meeting rooms • Tim Hortons Field— 22,500 seats IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Sherry Lucia Tourism Product Development Specialist Convention Sales 905-546-2424 ext. 5465 [email protected] Connect with us to learn how we can make your next event a huge success! PHOTOS: CITY OF HAMILTON (TOP); MCMASTER INNOVATION PARK (BOTTOM) 8 | Ignitemag.ca | Ignite Advertising Supplement
