Ottawa Senators Clinch Downtown Arena Agreement Just in Time

Friday, September 20th, 2024

Ottawa Senators and the National Capital Commission have finalized plans to build a new arena in the downtown area.

The Senators will acquire a 10-acre property at LeBreton Flats for a multi-use venue, which will include an arena.

The team removed hurdles by opting to buy instead of lease the land, securing more than the initially proposed six acres.

Senators president Cyril Leeder mentioned that although it's an initial step, substantial work is still required, stating that the heavy lifting can now commence.

The Senators have been aiming for a more central spot, especially since they've been playing at the Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata since 1996.

The distance from Ottawa's downtown to Kanata has been a challenge for attracting walk-up crowds.

Leeder noted that most arenas are now relocating to downtown areas, highlighting that when the team moved 30 years ago, such trends were not prevalent.

A previous deal spearheaded by former owner Eugene Melnyk fell through in 2019. Melnyk's family later sold the team to Michael Andlauer in 2022.

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