Canadian Tire Centre
Ottawa, Canada
TD Place Arena
Ottawa Canada
The TD Place Arena, located in the historic Lansdowne district of Ottawa, Ontario, is a legendary indoor venue and the premier home for hockey in Canada’s capital. Formerly known as the Ottawa Civic Centre, this 9,000-seat arena is famously tucked beneath the north stands of TD Place Stadium, creating one of the most unique architectural setups in professional sports. Home to the OHL’s Ottawa 67’s and a key venue for international events like the IIHF World Junior Championship, the TD Place Arena offers an intimate, high-energy environment that brings fans incredibly close to the action.
Par en:User:Earl Andrew — Uploaded as en:Image:Ottawaciviccentre.jpg on October 1 2004., Domaine public, Lien
History of the stadium
Opened in December 1967 as part of Canada’s Centennial celebrations, the arena was originally known as the Ottawa Civic Centre. It has been the long-standing home of the Ottawa 67’s since their inception. Over the decades, it has hosted major cultural and sporting milestones, including the 1978 and 2009 World Junior Hockey Championships and concerts by legends like Bruce Springsteen. In 2014, as part of the massive Lansdowne Park redevelopment, the arena was extensively renovated and rebranded as TD Place Arena, modernizing its facilities while preserving its unique « under-the-stands » charm.
Architecture and design
The arena’s most distinctive feature is its « subterranean » feel—the north grandstand of the outdoor football stadium actually serves as the ceiling and support structure for the indoor arena. This hybrid design is rare in global architecture. Inside, the seating is arranged in a steep, three-sided bowl that funnels acoustic energy toward the ice. Following recent renovations, the arena features updated concourses, improved lighting, and a state-of-the-art scoreboard, though it maintains the classic, compact sightlines that make it a favorite for hockey purists.
Atmosphere and matchday experience
A matchday at TD Place Arena is defined by the « 67’s » tradition. The atmosphere is family-friendly yet loud, especially during the playoffs or the annual « School Day » games. Because of the arena’s compact size, there is a visceral connection between the crowd and the players. The « Lansdowne Live » district surrounding the arena adds to the experience, as fans often congregate in the urban park or nearby restaurants before heading through the gates. It’s an environment that feels like a community gathering as much as a professional sporting event.
Location and accessibility
The arena is centrally located at 1015 Bank Street in the Glebe, one of Ottawa’s most vibrant neighborhoods. It is part of the 40-acre Lansdowne Park complex. While parking is available in an underground garage, it can be expensive and fills quickly. Public transit is the highly recommended alternative; OC Transpo provides frequent service via Routes 6 and 7. For major events, your ticket often includes « Park & Ride » shuttle service or free transit, allowing fans to show their game ticket for a free bus ride to and from the venue.
Origin of the stadium name
In 2014, the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) entered into a 10-year naming rights agreement with the Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD). This deal renamed both the stadium and the arena under the « TD Place » umbrella. Before this, the arena had brief commercial names like the Urbandale Centre and J. Benson Cartage Centre, but it is still affectionately remembered by many locals as the « Civic Centre. » The naming deal ensures the bank’s presence throughout the Lansdowne district, including on-site ATMs and branches.
How to get to TD Place Arena
The most efficient way to reach the arena is via OC Transpo. Bus routes 6 and 7 run directly down Bank Street and stop right at Lansdowne. If you are attending a major event like an Ottawa 67’s playoff game or a concert, your event ticket usually serves as your transit pass. You can park at various city « Park & Ride » lots and take a direct shuttle or bus. If you prefer to walk or bike, the arena is easily accessible via the scenic Rideau Canal pathways, with plenty of bike parking available on-site.
Best seats, view and atmosphere
For the best view of the hockey tactical play, the center-ice sections in the lower bowl (Sections 16–18 or 5–7) offer a perfect perspective. If you want a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing sightlines, the 300-level sections provide a great « eye-in-the-sky » view because of the steep seating angle. For concerts, seats in the lower bowl directly opposite the stage are prized for their acoustic balance. Note that because of the arena’s unique roof, some very high corner seats can feel a bit tucked away, though they still offer clear views of the floor.
Where to eat and drink near TD Place Arena
The Lansdowne district is a culinary hub. « Craft Beer Market » and « LOCAL Public Eatery » are the most popular spots for a pre-game drink and upscale pub food. For families, « Jack Astor’s » or « Sunset Grill » offer consistent favorites. If you’re looking for something unique, « Chungchun Rice Dogs » or « Crust & Crate » (famous for its pizza) are just steps from the arena entrance. For dessert, « Cinnaholic » and « Mr. Puffs » are local staples within the complex.
Good to know
The arena is a very safe, family-oriented venue with professional security screenings at all entrances. For high-profile events like the « Ottawa 67’s vs. Gatineau Olympiques » (the cross-river rivalry), demand is high and the crowd is more boisterous. It is recommended to arrive at least 30–45 minutes early to clear security and enjoy the pre-game festivities at Lansdowne. The arena is fully accessible with elevators and dedicated seating areas for fans with mobility needs. Be sure to check the « bag policy » before you go, as large backpacks are typically not permitted inside.
