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Ottawa 67's Arena Name: Scotiabank Place |
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| Scotiabank Place |
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| What was the Arena Like? |
| A score of years ago, a group of Ottawa businessmen had a plot of land out in the sticks and an idea - to attract an NHL team and build an arena on their land as the anchor of a commercial development. Much to everyone's surprise, not least the developers themselves, the NHL went along with the plan. The eventual result was the reborn Ottawa Senators and Scotiabank Place, a pinkish, massive arena that to this day exists on the fringe between urban development on one side and pine forest, gneiss and muskeg on the other, all the way to Winnipeg. The Senators have become respectable since the early years, but their arena in many ways belongs to another era; a time when arenas were built in the suburbs, as far as possible from civilization so as not to disturb the neighbours. Inside, the old-fashioned feeling continues. SBP is missing a lot of the frills of many new NHL buildings; bare concrete walls abound in the twin concourse, three-level design, and the scoreclock is among the league's most ancient. Yet the spartan nature of Scotiabank Place is part of its charm. Views are all excellent, the atmosphere is good, and the building is well thought-out and easy to navigate. The Senators were originally tied in with the 67's, as they originally shared a home with the 67's at the Civic Centre while the new arena was under construction. But the sharing has worked both ways. Much like the Air Canada Centre, Scotiabank Place has only ever been an occasional home for the OHL, with both the 67's and the St. Michael's Majors playing home games there. Back during the College Arena years, the Majors, who share an owner with the Senators, played all their "home" games against Ottawa at SBP in an effort to make money. In addition, the 67's have played the odd game there over the years, including one a few years ago in which they attempted, successfully, to set a new CHL attendance record. Seeing an NHL game in Ottawa should be on every Ontario hockey fan's bucket list, and while it may have taken me fourteen years to get there, I'm glad I finally did. Scotiabank Place is a decent and charming place to watch a hockey game. |
How To Get There |
| From Hwy. 417: Exit at Palladium Drive and turn left. The arena will be on your left. |
| What's It Used for Today? |
| Scotiabank Place is still home to the NHL's Ottawa Senators, who have been resident since the building opened. |
| Inside Scotiabank Place |
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Feedback |
If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, please e-mail me at  and I'll update the guide. |
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Copyright © Kevin Jordan
2002-10. |