Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre

Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre is a multi-purpose arena and convention facility in Victoria, British Columbia serving as a venue for sports, concerts, exhibitions, and ceremonies. The centre replaced the Victoria Memorial Arena and hosts events ranging from National Hockey League exhibition games to touring productions such as Cirque du Soleil and Disney on Ice. It functions as a regional hub connecting cultural institutions like the Royal BC Museum and competitions such as the IIHF World Junior Championship.

History

Construction of the facility followed debates involving the City of Victoria, the Province of British Columbia, and private stakeholders including Jim Pattison Group. The project was part of downtown revitalization near landmarks such as Inner Harbour (Victoria) and the BC Legislature. Its opening in 2005 featured ceremonies attended by officials from Government of Canada, members of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, and representatives from companies like Save-On-Foods. The arena has since hosted commemorative events tied to Remembrance Day and anniversaries for organizations such as the Royal Canadian Legion. Over the years the site has been a venue for touring sports franchises and exhibition delegations including Hockey Canada teams, entertainment tours by performers associated with Madonna (entertainer), Aerosmith, and orchestras linked to the Victoria Symphony.

Design and Facilities

The complex was designed by architectural firms collaborating with structural engineers experienced with venues like Rogers Arena and BC Place Stadium. The interior includes a climate-controlled bowl with seating modeled on contemporary arenas such as Scotiabank Arena and Bell Centre, and sightlines informed by designs used at Staples Center and TD Garden. Facilities comprise luxury suites, a community banquet hall suitable for events comparable to those held at the Victoria Conference Centre, locker rooms meeting standards set by Canadian Hockey League, and media facilities used by broadcasters like CBC Television and Sportsnet. The centre incorporates memorial elements echoing the legacy of the Victoria Memorial Arena and integrates technology platforms similar to those at SAP Center at San Jose with scoreboard and acoustics optimized for acts like Ed Sheeran and productions by Nederlander Organization.

Events and Tenants

Resident tenants have included teams from leagues such as the Western Hockey League and seasonal tenants affiliated with University of Victoria athletics. The venue has hosted major tournaments including rounds of the IIHF World Junior Championship and exhibition matchups featuring alumni from National Hockey League franchises. Concerts have featured international artists associated with labels tied to Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment. Family entertainment tours like Disney on Ice and circus productions from Cirque du Soleil have regularly used the site. The centre has also been selected for political rallies involving parties such as the Liberal Party of Canada and cultural festivals featuring performers linked to Powell River Festival and indigenous performers connected with the Songhees Nation and Esquimalt Nation.

Ownership and Management

Ownership rests with the municipal government of Victoria, British Columbia while operations have been managed under contract by private operators including the GSL Group, a hospitality and entertainment company with partnerships like those between Live Nation Entertainment and regional promoters. Naming rights were acquired by Save-On-Foods, part of the Overwaitea Food Group, reflecting corporate sponsorship practices also seen with venues such as Scotiabank Saddledome and Rogers Centre. Management agreements have involved coordination with entities such as Tourism Victoria and event promoters connected to AEG Presents and local producers affiliated with the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.

Community and Economic Impact

The centre contributes to downtown economic activity alongside institutions like the Fairmont Empress and the Royal BC Museum, driving hotel bookings at properties managed by groups such as Marriott International and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. It generates employment across sectors linked to companies like Aramark and staffing agencies working with unions such as Unifor. Cultural programming partners include the Victoria Symphony and arts organizations connected to the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival, while educational outreach has involved collaborations with campuses like the University of Victoria and Camosun College. Major events boost tourism metrics reported by Destination British Columbia and support small businesses on corridors like Government Street. The facility has been used for emergency and public service functions in coordination with agencies such as BC Emergency Health Services and commemorative activities tied to veterans associated with the Royal Canadian Legion.

Category:Sports venues in Victoria, British Columbia Category:Music venues in Victoria, British Columbia Category:Western Hockey League arenas