Renovations are underway and on pace to finish in time for the club's home opener on Oct. 8.
A new downtown arena at LeBreton Flats is the ultimate dream, but the Ottawa Senators are ensuring Canadian Tire Centre receives ample upgrades in the meantime.
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The Ottawa Citizen got the lowdown at the club’s media launch event Thursday on numerous projects, including a 300-level fan deck, intended to improve and modernize the in-game experience.
The Sens are removing 850 seats between sections 328 and 301 — behind Ottawa’s defensive zone in the first and third periods — to make room for a massive social space. The new fan deck, sans sponsor at the moment, will feature a bar, concession booths, lounging space and a wide viewing area.
The renovations began Aug. 30 and are expected to be completed in time for the home opener against the Philadelphia Flyers on Oct. 8.
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“The fans now want more social spaces,” Senators president and CEO Cyril Leeder said. “You see that at other buildings. Obviously, you saw that at the renovation at Lansdowne. You could put in more seats, but the fans want that social experience. They want that ability to get up, walk around, interact with other fans. I think it‘ll be our largest space in the building in terms of social spaces.”
This is just the club’s latest such renovation. In 2016-17, the team introduced the Molson Fan Deck between sections 214 and 216, where live music is often played during intermissions. In 2022-23, Club Bell, a prestigious private hangout, opened for the Sens fan with deep pockets right below. And the following season, the Milk Zone, an affordable hot spot for teens and young adults, was established above in the 300s.
