The arena was originally named the Palladium and underwent a significant ownership change and rebranding when Canadian Tire acquired naming rights.
The facility is located on land that was formerly part of the Greenbelt, a protected environmental area circling Ottawa.
The seating capacity for hockey games is approximately 17,000, though it can be expanded for specific concert stage configurations.
The building features a dedicated 'Sens Mile' surrounding the arena area, which is heavily themed during playoff runs.
It has hosted several major events, including the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship and the 2012 NHL All-Star Game.
The Canadian Tire Centre is the primary multi-purpose indoor arena in Ottawa, serving as the home ice for the NHL's Ottawa Senators. Opened in 1996 as the Palladium, the venue features a bowl-style seating configuration designed specifically for hockey and large-scale entertainment events. The facility includes luxury suites, club-level seating, and numerous food and beverage concessions throughout its multiple concourses. It is situated on a large site in the western suburb of Kanata, surrounded by expansive parking lots rather than an urban city core. The venue regularly hosts international concert tours, championship figure skating, and major sporting tournaments. Its structural design utilizes a steel-truss roof system that allows for an unobstructed view of the ice surface or main stage from most seating levels.
The main entrance plaza, specifically near the statues or signage identifying the home team.
Arrive well before your scheduled event time, as the location is isolated and traffic congestion is significant during egress.
Check the venue's bag policy before departing, as strict size restrictions on backpacks and purses are enforced at security screenings.
Utilize the designated drop-off zones if you are being driven by a ride-share service to avoid navigating the massive parking lot layouts.
Do not attempt to walk to the arena from nearby commercial areas, as the site is surrounded by highways and disconnected service roads.
Operations are event-driven; the facility is generally closed to the public on days without scheduled games, concerts, or performances.
Casual, though team apparel is encouraged during Ottawa Senators games; professional conduct is enforced by arena security.
