TD Coliseum Reopens: Hamilton’s Revamped Arena Signals Opportunity for Hockey Franchise Return

By the Cosmos Franchise Sales Team | July 17, 2025

Image courtesy of Toronto Rock

Hamilton’s downtown sports and entertainment scene is getting a major reboot. The newly renamed TD Coliseum — formerly FirstOntario Centre — is set to reopen later this year following a $280 million renovation. And while concerts and major events are on the calendar, one sports team has already staked its claim: the Toronto Rock.

After a temporary relocation to Mississauga, the six-time NLL champions are returning to Hamilton for the 2025–26 season. The move is more than just a homecoming — it’s a statement of confidence in the new venue and the city’s sports future.

“We’re excited to return home to Hamilton and play in front of our fans in a venue that will deliver a world-class experience,” said Jamie Dawick, the Rock’s owner and president. The team previously posted a 21–6 home record in Hamilton before renovations began.

A Gap in the Hockey Market

While lacrosse is locked in, hockey in Hamilton remains in flux. The Hamilton Bulldogs, once a fixture in the OHL and the city’s most prominent hockey tenant, made their move to Brantford permanent in early 2025. The team is now owned by NHL player Zach Hyman and has signed a 15-year deal with the city of Brantford — closing the door on their return.

The departure of the Bulldogs leaves a void in a community with deep hockey roots. And with TD Coliseum now transformed into a modern, 18,000-seat facility with top-tier amenities, a new opportunity is emerging — particularly for a franchise at the AHL level.

Why Hamilton Makes Sense for the AHL

Hamilton has long been considered a viable hockey market, with a passionate fan base and a strong sports infrastructure. The city previously hosted an AHL team — the Hamilton Bulldogs (1996–2015) — before the franchise relocated to become the St. John’s IceCaps and later the Laval Rocket.

Now, with a state-of-the-art arena and no primary hockey tenant, Hamilton is back on the radar. The AHL has seen success placing franchises in mid-sized Canadian and U.S. cities with modern venues and regional fan support. For NHL teams looking to relocate or expand their affiliate operations, Hamilton offers a compelling mix of location, facilities, and legacy.

Arena: NHL-calibre building with premium seating, improved acoustics, and hospitality upgrades
Market: A population of over half a million with a strong hockey identity
Location: Within driving distance of multiple NHL cities, including Toronto and Buffalo
History: Proven record of supporting both AHL and OHL teams

More Than Hockey

Beyond the Toronto Rock, the new TD Coliseum will play host to major concerts, shows, and cultural events. The venue is already booked for performances by Andrea Bocelli and Brad Paisley, and will host the Juno Awards in 2026. Celebrity chef Matty Matheson is opening a restaurant inside the facility, adding to the overall fan experience.

This new energy underscores Hamilton’s potential to become a true sports and entertainment destination — and having a hockey team anchor the venue year-round would complete the picture.

Interested in Bringing a Team to Hamilton?
At Cosmos Sports & Entertainment, we work with franchise buyers, sellers, and sports properties to identify markets and growth opportunities across North America. If you’re exploring the idea of relocating or launching a team — at the AHL, OHL, or minor pro level — we can help guide the process.

Contact us to start the conversation: