City Selects Downtown Site for New Event Centre

As the next step in the redevelopment of Greater Sudbury’s downtown, the City of Greater Sudbury has selected the site for the new Event Centre.

This modern facility will be built in the blocks bordered by Minto, Van Horne, Brady and Shaughnessy Streets. It will replace the existing community arena, providing a state-of-the-art venue designed to host concerts, shows, sporting events and other large-scale entertainment experiences.

“The selection of this site is a major step in revitalizing our downtown, aligning with our Downtown Master Plan and unlocking new opportunities for growth,” said Mayor Paul Lefebvre. “This location offers unique advantages that will encourage private development at a scale we haven’t seen in this area before, while positioning Greater Sudbury as a premier regional hub for entertainment and sports. The new Event Centre will drive economic development, attract investment, and provide residents with a first-class venue for unforgettable experiences.”

Designed to accommodate a range of audience sizes – from as few as 1,500 to approximately 6,000 spectators – the facility will include inviting entrances, a variety of seating options, club suites, loge boxes and full accessibility for persons with disabilities. Energy efficiency and environmental sustainability will be key priorities in the design.

The City has acquired sufficient land to support the Event Centre and encourage complementary private development, such as hotels, high-density residential living, conference spaces, restaurants and other entertainment-related businesses. The Sudbury Theatre Centre will remain a key cultural attraction in the district.

"The new Event Centre is an important investment in our community’s future and will help redefine Greater Sudbury’s downtown entertainment landscape,” said Tony Cecutti, General Manager of Growth and Infrastructure. “We are focused on ensuring that the design and surrounding development support accessibility, sustainability and economic growth.”

Next Steps

The City has retained the design team of BBB Architects and J.L. Richards, and schematic design is now underway. The City continues to collaborate with Sudbury Wolves Sports and Entertainment to deliver hockey and basketball programming.

Engagement with the community remains a priority throughout the design process, including consultation with Indigenous communities and accessibility groups to ensure the facility is welcoming and inclusive. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the venue set to open in 2028. The total budget for the project is $200 million.