In order to continue to attract major sporting events and music superstars, Budweiser Gardens officials say the venue needs some serious upgrades.
A report going to the corporate services committee next week asks city politicians for approval of a proposed $33 million enhancement of the downtown venue. The hitch being that London taxpayers would be on the hook for 80 per cent of the cost.
The proposed renovation plan is split into two phases, with the first focusing on customer-centric enhancements such as expanded lounge areas and technology upgrades. The second phase would be primarily for “back of house” improvements including additional office space and a backstage kitchen. Phase 1 comes with a price tag of $15.1 million, of which the city would need to cover $9 million. Staff recommend the city’s share of the Phase 1 upgrade be financed through the Tourism Infrastructure Reserve Fund. The money needed for Phase 2 ($17.7 million) would need to be referred to a future budget process, such as the 2024-2027 multi-year budget.
“To continue attracting world-class events and musical superstars, a renovation that will upgrade amenities and technology to meet today’s standards could be considered,” the report states. “The facility should be looked at to enhance the experience for patrons and every artist, athlete, and performer who play at Budweiser Gardens. The result of a renovation may not only maintain the arena competitiveness with other facilities, but it would generate significant increases in net cash flow.”
Under a 50 year deal, London receives a share of the operating revenue generated by Budweiser Gardens annually.
The facility was built in 2002 and marked its 20 year anniversary last October. It operates under a public-private partnership between the City of London, OVG360, and EllisDon Construction Ltd. OVG360, formerly known as Global Spectrum and then Spectra, manages the building on behalf of the partnership and is responsible for naming rights, advertising, attractions, sale of suites, and club seats.
In addition to being home of the London Knights and London Lightning, Budweiser Gardens has hosted sporting events such as the Memorial Cup in 2005 and 2014, the World Figure Skating Championships in 2012, and the Tim Horton’s Brier in 2011 and 2023. Music legends including Sting, Bryan Adams, The Tragically Hip, Rush, , Pearl Jam, and Rod Stewart have performed at Budweiser Gardens.
In 2019, the Juno Awards were held at the venue.
If granted approval, Phase 1 of the proposed renovations would begin this summer.
A list of key elements of the two phases of the proposed renovation are as follows:
Phase 1:
• Level 100 Club Lounge Expansion
• Level 100 Multipurpose Event Space Expansion (partial shell)
• Level 100 Knights Locker Room Renovation
• Level 200 Private Suites and Corridors Refresh
• Level 200 East Bowl Loges
• General Food and Beverage Concessions Upgrades
• General Audio/Visual and Technology Upgrades
Phase 2:
• Level 100 Multipurpose Event Space Expansion (remainder)
• Level 100 Office Renovation
• Level 200 Backstage Club/Kitchen
• Level 200 Administrative Office Expansion & Refresh
• Level 300 Feature Bar at North Concourse
• General Audio/Visual and Technology Upgrades
