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Air Canada Centre
Home of the Toronto Raptors
Located in Ontario, Canada, the Air Canada Centre opened in February 1999 as a $265 million state-of-the-art facility. It's 665,000 square foot presence was built on the site of the Canada Post Delivery Building. The Air Canada Tower measures 140,000 square feet and stands 12 stories high into the Ontario skyline. The tower, which is located in the northeast corner of Air Canada Centre, is used as an office tower.
Under the architectural guidance of Brisbin Brook and Beynon Architects, PCL Constructors Eastern Inc. began construction, which quickly became motivation for additional development within the city. In 1993, the architectural team was chosen followed by the 1994 site selection for the new facility. Two years later, land was purchased and an agreement was signed between the Raptors and Air Canada, who served as building partners for the new project.
In 1997, the official groundbreaking ceremony was held. Soon after, the first concrete was poured and extensive work began to create one of the premier facilities in existence today. Construction continued while many exciting things were happening behind the scenes. Among them, Robert Hunter was named vice president and general manager in 1998 and, that same year, Maple Leaf Gardens purchased the Toronto Raptors and Air Canada Centre. Designs were promised in order to better accommodate professional NHL hockey competitions. In 1998, before original construction was even completed, a $50 million renovation was built to upgrade a venue that was over half way to completion.
In July 1998, with opening day approaching, the first events were announced, which included wrestling family shows and sports competitions. The next month, the first ever season ticket holders were allowed to take a brief tour and visit their new seats at Air Canada Centre. The new management team was announced and corporate apparel was unveiled. As construction wrapped up, Public Art pieces were announced at Air Canada Centre as part of the building's historical perspective. In February 1999, the Toronto Maple Leafs held their first practice followed by an open house in which the public was invited to tour the new facility.
The inaugural basketball game was held in February 1999 as the NBA's Toronto Raptors defeated the Vancouver Grizzlies in a 112 to 87 victory. Each year, a variety of events are held at Air Canada Centre and thousands of fans travel from far and near just to be part of the excitement. Air Canada Centre is still considered a new facility and it's modern amenities, fan friendly atmosphere and historical roots provide for a promising future in the worlds of both sports and entertainment.
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