Copps Coliseum is a sports and entertainment arena with a capacity of 17,500 in
Hamilton, Ontario. It is named after the former Hamilton mayor, Victor K. Copps.
Construction
began in 1983 and was completed in 1985 at a cost of $33.5 million, and an addition
$2.3 million for a parking garage. Copps Coliseum was built in the hope that Hamilton
could draw an NHL or WHA franchise, something that never materialized. The
arena's primary tenant today is the American Hockey League's Hamilton Bulldogs.
As
one of North America's most outstanding venues, Copps Coliseum is a marvel of
planning flexibility. The facility is climate controlled year round for comfort
and is designed to accommodate a wide variety of events from entertainment, sports
and trade shows to conventions, filming and more. It
is directly accessible from the Hamilton Convention Centre and Hamilton Place.
A total of 117,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space is available. Retractable
seating allows 87,000 sq. ft. on one level by combining 26,00 sq. ft. Arena Surface
and the 61,000 sq. ft. Exhibition Hall. An additional 30,000 sq. ft. is offered
on the Concourse level. Seating is available for up to 19,000 people (depending
on configuration), however the arena can also be converted into a more intimate
setting to accommodate gatherings of 2,000 people or greater. A
street level ramp provides direct vehicle access to The Arena and Exhibition Hall
Level. Move-in and move-out times are greatly reduced as there are four loading
bays available. Media facilities (including a TV studio), dressing locker rooms
and a First Aid room are also located on this level. Full catering services are
available.
| 
