Canadian Tire Centre

Capacity: 18,655

Home Teams: Ottawa Senators (NHL)

Canadian Tire Centre Events

The Canadian Tire Centre (which could not have a more Canadian name) opened in 1996 to welcome the Ottawa Senators into the NHL. Many might even say the facility was built to welcome the team back into the NHL, as the original Ottawa Senators, who folded in 1934, were not only the first-ever hockey club in Ontario, but also won the Stanley Cup 11 times (last in 1927) and helped to found the NHL itself. Thus it was with a certain mix of nostalgia and hope for the future that Canada’s capital city (yes, the capital really is Ottawa…) watched their resurrected Senators take to the ice. The team actually joined in 1993, playing initially in the Ottawa Civic Centre, where their first four years were a total disaster in which they set records for some of the worst NHL regular seasons of all time. The Senators’ move to their permanent home in the Canadian Tire Centre seemed to provide the boost that the team needed, however, propelling the Sens into regular playoff contention for the next two decades. The team even made it to one Stanley Cup Finals in 2007, the first appearance by a team called the Ottawa Senators in exactly 80 years! Unfortunately, the wait continues, as the Sens lost out 4-1 to the Anaheim Ducks. As well as all regular season and playoffs Senators home games, the Canadian Tire Centre also hosts concerts, basketball games, and UFC/MMA. The World Junior Hockey Championships (hugely popular in Canada) were held at the venue in 2009. Fans who show up hungry to the Canadian Tire Centre will find plenty of savory snacks, with egg rolls, burgers, and (refillable!) popcorn. Mott’s Clamato caesars are also a big hit. Kiosks and shops around the venue hawk team and event merchandise, much of it emblazoned with the classy Senators logo.

Canadian Tire Centre Seating Chart

Canadian Tire Centre has a wide range of seating options for visitors to choose from. Premium seating includes luxury suites that can be rented for the whole season or just for one night. Plenty of general admission seating fills the rest of the arena, from more expensive seats closer to the ice to cheaper seats closer to the rafters. There isn’t a bad seat in the house though. Check TicketX for all the best tickets to events and games at Canadian Tire Centre. Our handy seating chart is the best way to compare all different seating options.

Getting to Canadian Tire Centre (Transportation and Parking)

Visitors can access the Canadian Tire Centre via public transportation or driving their own vehicle. Note that the venue is located about 15 minutes by car from central Ottawa.

Getting to Canadian Tire Centre via public transportation

Public transportation to reach the Canadian Tire Centre is limited to local shuttle buses that operate throughout the region. These shuttles are put on specially for Canadian Tire Centre games and events. Check the Canadian Tire Centre's official website for full public transportation details, directions, and schedules. A taxi or rideshare is also a good way to get to the venue (particularly in the cold and snowy winter months). 

Getting to Canadian Tire Centre by car

Driving your own vehicle to the Canadian Tire Centre is quite straightforward, though drivers should come prepared for some traffic around the venue before big games and events. Ottawa is a relatively small city in and of itself, but the Senators’ popularity in the surrounding area does mean that the roads can still get pretty busy. The Canadian Tire Centre's official website has detailed maps and driving directions.

Does Canadian Tire Centre have on-site parking?

There is plenty of parking all around the Canadian Tire Centre. Some lots are dedicated to pass-holders while others require advance reservations. Lots 5 and 9 cannot be booked in advance (you just pay using your smartphone after you find your spot). Given the various options, it is best to check the parking information on the Canadian Tire Centre's official website before your game or event.

How much does Canadian Tire Centre parking cost?

Parking at the Canadian Tire Centre for games and events typically costs $20-40. The lots where you pay by phone are slightly cheaper on average. The Canadian Tire Centre's official website has information on the cheapest available parking rates.