Tribute Communities Centre

Imagine the pulsating heart of cultural and sporting life in the city of Oshawa—this is the modern multi-purpose complex known as the Tribute Communities Centre. Opened in 2006, this arena has become a true point of pride for the Durham Region, bringing together a passion for hockey and large-scale entertainment shows under one roof.

In Canada, where battles on the ice are held in cult-like status, this venue holds a special place. It serves as the home ice for the famous Oshawa Generals hockey team. The $45 million complex impresses with its flexibility: it can accommodate over 6,000 spectators for sporting matches and up to 7,600 people during grand concerts by world stars.

This is not just a stadium, but a complete community space. It features restaurants, private suites, a fan shop, and even the local Sports Hall of Fame. High management quality and visitor comfort are confirmed by prestigious awards, including the title of Tourism Operator of the Year, making a visit to the arena a must for any traveler.

To check the event schedule or book a table at the restaurant, you can use the official contact details of the complex. The Oshawa Arena is always ready to provide up-to-date information to its guests.

The main reason to come here is the incredible atmosphere of hockey matches. Feel the energy of the stands while cheering for the Oshawa Generals, or enjoy a dynamic game of lacrosse. Starting in 2026, the complex will also become home to the Oshawa FireWolves team, adding even more excitement to the sports calendar.

Beyond sports, the arena regularly transforms into a stage for musical legends. Over the years, artists such as Elton John, Selena Gomez, and the band Kiss have performed here. If you visit on a regular day, be sure to stop by the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame to learn about the region's athletic achievements, or visit the Prospects Bar & Grill restaurant, where you can have lunch with a great view of the ice rink.

Don't forget to take some striking photos at the entrance near the unique mirror sculpture and take a walk down Red Tilson Lane, named after the legendary player. For fans, there is an official store with branded gear where you can purchase souvenirs and merchandise of your favorite teams.

Getting to this iconic venue is easy, as the complex is located in the very heart of downtown Oshawa. The main entrance is on Athol Street, easily recognizable by the notable mirror sculpture, which has become a popular meeting spot.

For those who prefer public transport, Durham Region Transit buses stop near the arena, connecting the venue with key points across the city. If you are driving from Toronto, the trip via Highway 401 takes approximately one hour. Parking areas are provided around the complex, however, spaces fill up quickly during major matches or concerts, so it is worth arriving early.

If you are already downtown, the arena is easily accessible on foot. Taxi services are also always available to comfortably deliver you right to the doors of the complex from the nearest train station or any point in the city.

The history of this venue began in November 2006, with the grand opening of the facility under its original name, the General Motors Centre. The new venue was designed to replace the outdated Oshawa Civic Auditorium and serve as a modern home for the legendary Oshawa Generals hockey team, founded back in 1937.

The Generals are the true pride of the city, holding a record five Memorial Cups. Interestingly, in 1953, a fire completely destroyed their old arena, forcing the club to temporarily leave the city until a new venue was built. In 2015, the modern complex hosted weightlifting and boxing competitions as part of the Pan American Games, highlighting its high international status.

The arena received its current name—Tribute Communities Centre—in 2016. An even more ambitious future lies ahead for the complex: a long-term agreement until 2055 was recently signed, providing for a $50 million investment in a major expansion. Plans include increasing capacity to 7,000 seats and a complete modernization of the fan leisure areas.

The time you should set aside for a visit directly depends on the purpose of your trip. If you plan to attend a hockey match or a concert, budget 3 to 4 hours in your schedule. This will be enough time to calmly pass through security, find your seats, and enjoy the main event.

For those who just want to tour the complex, visit the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame, and check out the official merchandise store, 1-2 hours will suffice. If you decide to complement your walk with dinner at the local restaurant overlooking the arena, your visit could extend to 5 hours, turning into a full evening of relaxation.

The main building of the complex is open to visitors throughout the work week. The administration and box offices operate on the following schedule: Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The complex is usually closed on Sundays unless there are scheduled events.

It is important to remember that on days of matches, concerts, or special shows, operating hours may be significantly extended. It is recommended to check the schedule on the official website in advance so as not to miss the start of the event you are interested in.

A visit to the arena can easily be combined with a stroll through the downtown area, where many interesting locations are concentrated. Exploring the surroundings will allow you to better feel the atmosphere of the region and get acquainted with its cultural heritage.

Nearby, you will find historic buildings and museums, as well as cozy spots to relax after an eventful day.