The venue was originally known as the John Labatt Centre from its opening in 2002 until 2012.
It was rebranded as Budweiser Gardens for over a decade before adopting the Canada Life Place name in 2024.
The arena floor is often converted into a concert configuration that can accommodate standing room areas.
It is frequently cited as one of the most successful minor league hockey venues in North America due to consistent sell-out crowds for London Knights games.
The building was designed to integrate into the urban streetscape, featuring exterior elements that reflect London's downtown architecture.
The facility serves as a primary hub for city-wide festivals and community-focused indoor gatherings during winter months.
Canada Life Place is the primary multi-purpose sports and entertainment arena in downtown London, Ontario, serving as the home ice for the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. The venue features a seating capacity of approximately 9,000 for hockey games and can accommodate larger crowds for concerts and stage shows. It replaced the older London Gardens and has hosted significant events including the Memorial Cup, figure skating championships, and major international concert tours. The arena is characterized by its central location in the city's core, adjacent to the historic Dundas Street retail corridor. As of 2026, the venue operates under the name Canada Life Place following a naming rights agreement. The facility contains a variety of premium suites, club seats, and concession areas designed for high-capacity crowd management.
The main entrance plaza on Dundas Street, which features prominent signage and often displays event-specific branding.
Arrive early to navigate security screenings, as queues can be significant during high-demand hockey nights.
Check the official arena bag policy before arrival, as strict size restrictions are enforced for all events.
Use the pre-paid parking lots located within a three-block radius to avoid street parking congestion.
Attempting to park directly in front of the main entrance, as this area is reserved for event logistics and accessible drop-offs.
Open year-round for events; schedules fluctuate based on the London Knights' game calendar and touring production load-in requirements.
Standard arena behavior; guests are expected to remain seated during active play and respect designated non-smoking zones.
