St. Catharines, ON – October 7, 2024 – The Meridian Centre, a staple of entertainment and
sporting excellence in Niagara, is celebrating its 10th anniversary year. Since opening its doors
in 2014, the venue has welcomed close to two million guests, bringing world-class events and
unforgettable experiences to St. Catharines and the surrounding regions. While celebrations
will continue throughout the year, fans who come to the IceDogs game on October 20th will
receive a free commemorative gift!
Over the past decade, the Meridian Centre has become a dynamic hub for sports and
entertainment, hosting a wide variety of events that have left a lasting impression on the
community. Two key tenants, the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and the
Niagara River Lions of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), have called the Meridian
Centre home, providing fans with thrilling games and championship aspirations.
Jeff Dixon, General Manager of the Meridian Centre, expressed his excitement for the
milestone:
"It’s been an incredible journey for the Meridian Centre. We’ve had the privilege of hosting some
of the best athletes, artists, and events in Ontario, and we couldn’t be prouder of how the venue
has grown in stature and reputation. We look forward to many more years of bringing
exceptional experiences to the people of Niagara."
Beyond sports, the Meridian Centre has attracted high-profile musical acts, world-renowned
artists, and major sporting events. Highlights include performances by Elton John, The Tragically
Hip, Arkells, and Jelly Roll’s first international event, as well as hosting national events like the
2020 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, the 2016 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship and
FIBA U18 Americas Championship. These events have brought visitors from across the country
and contributed significantly to the local economy.
Kay Meilleur, Regional Director of Marketing, highlighted the success of the venue’s diverse
programming:
"From thrilling IceDogs and River Lions games to hosting legendary musicians, the Meridian
Centre has truly delivered something for everyone. We are grateful for the ongoing support of
our fans, sponsors, and community partners who make it all possible."
As the Meridian Centre celebrates this significant milestone, the future looks bright with a
continued commitment to offering premier entertainment and community engagement.
St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe reflected on the impact the venue has had on the community:
“It is exciting for me to be a part of the 10th anniversary of the Meridian Centre, given that I had
the pleasure and the honour of voting to build the centre in my first year on Council. The
Meridian Centre and our tenants, The Niagara IceDogs and the Niagara River Lions, are an
absolute benefit to our downtown and are a catalyst for our city’s economic development, as we
continue the revitalization of the area. Congratulations to the management team at ASM
Global, as they build out a fantastic year of programming to celebrate the Meridian Centre’s
10th anniversary.”
For information on the Meridian Centre, follow us on social media or visit the website at
meridiancentre.com.