The City of Greater Sudbury has finalized long-term operational and leasing agreements for its downtown events center currently under construction, according to municipal announcements. The upcoming 5,800-seat facility has secured its primary tenant sports teams and an experienced venue management firm ahead of its scheduled completion in autumn 2028.
Tenant Agreements for Sudbury Wolves and Sudbury Five
According to a municipal press release, Sudbury Wolves Sports & Entertainment signed formal agreements to make the new downtown venue the permanent home for both the Sudbury Wolves junior hockey team and the Sudbury Five basketball team. The lease for the Sudbury Wolves carries an initial 15-year term, while the agreement for the Sudbury Five spans an initial 10-year term. Both contracts include options for renewal matching their original durations.
“Il s’agit d’un moment transformateur pour notre communauté et d’un nouveau chapitre prometteur pour les sports et le divertissement dans le Grand Sudbury,” said Dario Zulich, owner and general manager of Sudbury Wolves Sports & Entertainment, as quoted in the municipal release.
City officials view the arena as a core driver for urban renewal. “Le maire Paul Lefebvre affirme que le centre d’évènements servira de catalyseur de la transformation du centre-ville,” according to Radio-Canada reporting by Espérance Fatuma. Mayor Paul Lefebvre noted in the city’s announcement that the project aims to foster local sports, draw large-scale entertainment acts, and establish a central gathering place for residents.
Oak View Group Management Contract
To oversee daily operations, the City of Greater Sudbury partnered with Oak View Group, a specialized arena management and hospitality firm, under a 10-year agreement with an option for a 10-year extension. Under the contract terms reported by the municipality, Oak View Group will handle event booking, marketing, ticketing, food and beverage services, and ongoing facility maintenance.
Shari Lichterman, chief administrative officer for the City of Greater Sudbury, stated that the municipality relies on the firm’s industry expertise to attract live concerts, sporting competitions, and diverse entertainment acts to the region.
Construction on the downtown complex commenced following City Council approvals in April 2024 and the official launch of construction in 2025. According to municipal project timelines published on grandsudbury.ca, crews have advanced through site preparation, micro-piles, foundation work, and initial structural steel installations. Work proceeds on schedule toward an expected opening in the fall of 2028.
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