Toronto Sceptres' Base, Coca-Cola Coliseum, gearing up for Canada's inaugural WNBA franchise's debut
Toronto's Coca-Cola Coliseum: A Timeless Sports Venue Adapting to Modern Times
History and charm have always been the hallmark of Toronto's Coca-Cola Coliseum, built a century ago. But as the city grows and sports evolve, the venerable arena faces unique challenges in staying up-to-date while preserving its character.
The hustle and bustle of Toronto's PWHL's Toronto Sceptres, who play sold-out games at the stadium, is just the latest chapter in this 100-year-old story. With Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" anthem booming in victory, it's clear the coliseum continues to captivate its audience.
Next season, Toronto's WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo, is set to join the action, further solidifying the coliseum's status as a hub for women's sports. However, making the venue fit for modern-day professional teams and fans is no small feat.
Space is the coliseum's most valuable resource, and there simply isn't more to be found in the thoroughly "maxed-out" building. But improvements are on the horizon. A dedicated, state-of-the-art locker room for the Tempo is a significant stride forward, easing the burden on the Sceptres who currently share with the Marlies visitors dressing room.
Upgrading a century-old building to cater to today's sports teams and fans isn't easy. "/900sqft/ is hard to find," admits Don Boyle, CEO of Exhibition Place, the city agency managing the coliseum. For the WNBA teams, top-tier facilities, especially practice venues, have become a priority, calling it "catching up and delivering the spaces that the players have always deserved."
Boyle says that carving out the needed space wasn't simple, but securing the Tempo in the building was a priority everyone wanted to accommodate. As the scale and scope of events increases, other arena users like the Royal Winter Fair and concert acts also benefit from updates. Upgrades to the kitchen facilities to provide more diverse and elevated food offerings for suites are planned, with hopes that the nearby Food Building may one day also become a pre-game hub.
Sceptres fans have voiced concerns about long lines for merchandise, food, and bathrooms, especially during peak events. These issues plagued the coliseum even during the Sceptres' playoff games last season. But despite these niggling annoyances, long-time women's hockey fan, Barb Balls, praises the PWHL for delivering a big second-season upgrade after just one year in the smaller Mattamy Athletic Centre, and the recent announcement of expansion teams in Vancouver and Seattle only solidifies the league's commitment to providing top-notch facilities for fans and players alike.
The coliseum's quirks and history truly add to its charm, but those intangibles come with their own set of challenges. Tight corridors and outdated infrastructure will continue to strain the venue's capacity, testing its limits as it evolves with the changing landscape of sports. For now, the coliseum remains one of the best places to watch hockey, ready to tackle whatever modern times throw its way.
- The Coca-Cola Coliseum, situated in Toronto, Canada, is a timeless sports venue that faces challenges in adapting to modern times.
- The coliseum is currently hosting the Toronto Sceptres, a hockey team from PWHL, who play sold-out games at the historic arena.
- Next season, Toronto's WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo, will join the action, further cementing the coliseum's status as a hub for women's sports in Canada.
- The lack of space in the coliseum poses a significant challenge during the transition to accommodate modern-day professional sports teams and fans.
- Don Boyle, CEO of Exhibition Place, is working on upgrades to cater to the WNBA teams and fan experience, including a state-of-the-art locker room for the Toronto Tempo.
- The media, businesses, and entertainment industries have shown interest in the upscaling of the coliseum, with potential improvements to food offerings and amenities.
- Katie, a long-time women's hockey fan, voices her concerns about congestion, such as long lines for merchandise, food, and bathrooms, during peak events but praises the coliseum for its charm and offerings compared to the smaller Mattamy Athletic Centre.
- As the coliseum undergoes changes to meet modern standards, it will continue to face challenges related to its quirks and outdated infrastructure but remains one of the best places to watch hockey and entertainment events in Toronto.
