For enthusiasts of sports venue architecture and the electric atmosphere of live games, the John Labatt Centre, now known as Canada Life Place, in London, Ontario, holds a special place. As someone deeply connected to this arena and the London Knights hockey team, my perspective isn’t just that of a visitor; it’s the viewpoint of a hometown fan with decades of history within its walls. Having witnessed countless games since the mid-1980s, from childhood outings with my father to seasons as a dedicated ticket holder, the John Labatt Centre is more than just a building – it’s a repository of personal and community memories. Writing about it, however, presents a unique challenge precisely because of this deep familiarity. This review aims to capture not only the experience for a first-time visitor but also to articulate what this venue represents for a local fan who has seen it evolve over thirty-five years.
The transformation of the London Knights under the Hunter brothers’ ownership since 2000 is undeniable, and the John Labatt Centre stands as a gleaming testament to this evolution. This arena shifted the Knights from a beloved local team to a major sports enterprise. Often likened to a miniature NHL venue, its design and facilities place it in a league of its own within the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). While the Ottawa Civic Centre might offer a sense of historical comparison, its integration with a larger football stadium complex contrasts sharply with the John Labatt Centre, which was purpose-built to be the premier home for Knights hockey. The arena boasts a well-structured layout featuring a 6,000-seat lower bowl spanning twenty rows, followed by a level of exclusive private suites, and an upper deck accommodating another 3,000 fans in a distinctive “U” shape. The open end of this “U” offers a standing-room section, a favorite for those seeking an immersive, almost on-ice experience. Additionally, club seats in the lower bowl provide a slightly enhanced experience with in-seat concession service. The concession offerings themselves have significantly upgraded from the basic popcorn and hot dogs of the past “Ice House” days to a much wider array of choices, including contemporary options like chicken nachos and fruit smoothies, catering to a diverse range of tastes.
Architecturally, the John Labatt Centre makes a striking impression. Its imposing height and handsome design blend seamlessly into the urban landscape of London. From the street level, the building commands attention with its scale. The postmodern architectural style, characterized by yellow brick, is thoughtfully interrupted by the preserved facade of the historic 19th-century Talbot Inn at the corner of Talbot and Dundas Streets. This facade serves as a nod to London’s cultural history, recalling the Inn’s former life as the Cedar Lounge, a vibrant hub of the 1970s punk scene that hosted iconic acts from The Damned to Elvis Costello and local legends, The Demics. Today, this corner of the John Labatt Centre continues to resonate with musical energy, drawing major touring acts and reaffirming its role as a cultural landmark in London. Entering through any of the gates, visitors are immediately welcomed into a spacious concourse, designed to accommodate even large crowds comfortably. This expansive concourse is notably wider than many in the league, facilitating smooth movement and access to various amenities. Entry to the seating bowl is through inviting tunnels that dramatically open up to reveal the full grandeur of the arena.
Stepping into the John Labatt Centre for the first time can be breathtaking, especially for those unfamiliar with NHL-caliber arenas. The sheer volume of space, filled with thousands of seats stretching up to a high ceiling, can be initially overwhelming. However, the design ensures excellent sightlines from almost every vantage point. Many seasoned attendees argue that the front row of the upper deck offers the best seats, providing a fantastic, unobstructed view of the ice without feeling too distant from the action. Conversely, seats in the lower level, particularly those closer to the ice, may suffer from a shallower viewing angle, potentially causing obstructed views, especially for younger fans. The seating itself consists of dark molded plastic, which, while somewhat basic, provides adequate comfort for game-long enjoyment.
Looking up to the rafters, one finds a display of team banners representing the achievements of both the Knights and the London Lightning basketball team. However, for long-time Knights fans, the banner display has been a point of minor frustration. Notably, the banners are perceived as incomplete, a situation that has persisted since 2002. The oldest banner currently hanging commemorates the 1999 Western Conference Championship, despite older division titles from 1998, 1990, and 1978 earned at the former London Gardens also deserving recognition. Adding to this, the 2005 OHL Championship banner, a particularly significant title for many fans, went missing years ago and has yet to be replaced. While the Hunter ownership has propelled the Knights to on-ice dominance within the CHL, aspects of the off-ice presentation, particularly the historical acknowledgment within the John Labatt Centre, have sometimes lagged behind.
In terms of facilities, the John Labatt Centre is comprehensively equipped, offering amenities that surpass most OHL venues. While the number of men’s restrooms could be improved, the arena provides everything else a fan might need, from a full-service restaurant and a dedicated sports bar to a wide variety of food and beverage concessions. The “Armoury,” the team’s official store, is well-stocked with merchandise, and an additional souvenir kiosk on the upper level provides further shopping options. The arena’s scoreboard is a standout feature, boasting a full video board that ranks among the best in the OHL. Complementing this, LCD boards at each end of the rink enhance the visual experience, contributing to what was once recognized as the league’s best technical scoreboard setup. However, the operational execution of the scoreboard presentation sometimes falls short, with dated clipart and a somewhat amateurish feel in the graphics, although the music volume is generally well-managed. Regarding the overall atmosphere, while it may not entirely replicate the legendary intensity of the old London Gardens, the John Labatt Centre has developed its own energetic vibe over time and now consistently ranks among the louder and more spirited arenas in the league.
A recurring critique of the John Labatt Centre experience is its perceived “canned,” corporate atmosphere. While promotional timeouts are now a standard part of the sports entertainment model, the execution of these promotions at Knights games can sometimes feel intrusive. In contrast to NHL teams that often integrate promotions more seamlessly with the game flow and crowd dynamics, promotions at the John Labatt Centre sometimes feel rigidly scheduled, irrespective of the on-ice action or fan engagement. This relentless stream of advertising during stoppages, combined with a somewhat repetitive music selection, can sometimes detract from the organic fan experience. Intermissions, once featuring music, are now dominated by uninterrupted commercial breaks.
Despite these criticisms, it’s important to recognize that the John Labatt Centre is, fundamentally, an exceptional venue. It’s a beautifully designed, professional-quality arena that provides a fantastic setting for junior hockey. The fact that it regularly draws crowds of 9,000 fans weekly speaks volumes about its appeal. To truly elevate the game-day atmosphere, minor adjustments could make a significant difference. Empowering the scoreboard operators to respond to crowd energy by adjusting music volume and allowing the promotions announcer to be more flexible with timing could recapture the spontaneous and electric atmosphere that London hockey crowds were once known for. During playoff games and special events like the 2005 Memorial Cup, when promotions were less intrusive, the arena’s atmosphere has been undeniably vibrant. However, for regular season games, the somewhat rigid and amateurish operation of the scoreboard and music can occasionally frustrate dedicated hockey fans.
The Hunter brothers’ investment has undoubtedly transformed the Knights into a consistent powerhouse. As a long-time fan, witnessing this sustained success has been rewarding, although there’s a nostalgic appreciation for aspects of the team’s earlier, less polished era. If tasked with overseeing game-day operations, immediate priorities would include a comprehensive update to the banner display to fully honor team history and seeking insights from top NHL promotional teams to refine the in-arena entertainment. The resources are clearly available to enhance these areas. Beyond the minor issue of restroom capacity, the John Labatt Centre remains one of the premier junior hockey venues. It’s a testament to what a junior hockey arena can be, even if its full potential for fan experience is not always consistently realized.
