25 Years of the
Sports Centre!
London's home for hockey, skating, and community sport turns 25 this September. To celebrate, we're bringing special programming during the Fair, live hockey games, public skating, The Hockey Hall of Fame, and more, all inside the Sports Centre at Western Fair District.
25
Years Strong
4
Ice Surfaces
160k
Sq Ft Facility
All Sports Centre programming is free with admission to the Fair, except for the three hockey games below.
Hockey game tickets include FREE Fair admission.
★ THE STORY
London's home for ice sports!
The Sports Centre at Western Fair District opened in 2001 and for 25 years it has been one of Southwestern Ontario's premier ice sport facilities. Four rinks, 23 dressing rooms, 160,000 square feet, and thousands of games, tournaments, and community moments.
From local learn-to-skate programs to national tournaments, from birthday parties to NHL Alumni games, concerts, the Sports Centre has been the place where London's sporting memories are made. This September, during the 10 days of the Western Fair, we're taking a moment to celebrate everything it has meant to this community.
Special programming runs during the Fair, most of it free with your Fair admission, plus three ticketed hockey games that each include Fair admission. Something for every age, every hockey fan, and every family.
Opened in 2001
25 years of hockey, skating, and community sport in London, Ontario.
3 NHL + 1 Olympic Surface
Four ice surfaces under one roof. One of the largest facilities in the region.
Community First
From ice sports to concerts and everything in between, the Sports Centre has always belonged to London.
The hockey games
Three special games across opening weekend and closing day. Every hockey ticket
includes Fair admission, so you get the full experience with one purchase.
★ Opening Night
911 Hockey Game
Kick off the Fair and the 25th anniversary celebrations with an opening night game. The first puck drop of the season, right here at the Sports Centre.
📍 Sports Centre
🎟️ $20 · Fair Admission Included
🕐 Fri, Sept 11 · 6:00 PM
★ Our Resident GOJHL Team
London Nationals Home Opener vs Chatham Maroons
The London Nationals return home for the opening night of their season, a celebration of local hockey on one of the biggest weekends of the year at the Fair.
📍 Sports Centre
🎟️ $20 · Fair Admission Included
🕐 Sat, Sept 12 · 2:00 PM
★ Closing Day
NHL Alumni VS London Police
The perfect way to close out the Fair and cap off 25 years of celebrations. Former NHL players take to the ice at the Sports Centre for one unforgettable game. In support of Special Olympics Ontario via the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
📍 Sports Centre
🎟️ $20 · Fair Admission Included
🕐 Sun, Sept 20 · 2:00 PM (Doors open at 1:00 PM)
Presented by R-MOR by Lac-Mac
Every Hockey Ticket Includes FREE Fair Admission!
10 days of programming!
Beyond the ticketed games, the Sports Centre is packed with free activities and programs to enjoy. Plus, every hockey game ticket includes FREE Fair admission. Check out the full schedule below.
The Hockey Hall of Fame Display
The Hockey Hall of Fame's touring exhibit brings iconic trophies, rare artifacts, and interactive games to the Sports Centre. Running Thu, Sep 17 – Sat, Sep 19.
Public Skating
Lace up and take to the ice during designated public skating sessions throughout the Fair. A classic Sports Centre experience, open to all ages and skill levels.
Speed Skating Showcase
Watch skills demonstrations on the ice from London Speed Skating Club. Great for young fans and anyone who wants a closer look at what the sport is all about.
OpeNing Ceremonies
Meet us on the steps of The Sports Centre at 4:30pm Sep 11 to kick off the 25th anniversary of the Sports Centre. Enjoy live music in the lobby from Bradley Kerr.
25 Hour Skate-a-thon
In partnership with the Children's Health Foundation, 25 Hours on the Ice will raise $25,000 in support of Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre.
Register now →
Hockey Circus Show — Opening Night
The Hockey Circus Show kicks off the 25th anniversary celebrations on opening night. Acrobatics, juggling, and one-of-a-kind hockey stunts at the Sports Centre entrance.
Sports Centre schedule
Public skating and demo times will be confirmed closer to the Fair.
Check back for updates.
| Day & Date | Event | Time | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri · Sept 11 | 25th Anniversary Opening CeremonyFront stairs of the Sports Centre | 4:30 PM | Free |
| Fri · Sept 11 | 9/11 Commemorative GameFeaturing local first responders and medical professionalsIncludes FREE Fair Admission | 6:00 PM | Ticketed · $20 |
| Sat · Sept 12 | Nationals Home Opener vs Chatham MaroonsIncludes FREE Fair Admission | 2:00 PM | Ticketed · $20 |
| Sat · Sept 12 | Skate-A-Thon25 hours of skating in support of Children's Health FoundationRegister to skate → | 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Free |
| Sun · Sept 13 | Skate-A-ThonIn support of Children's Health FoundationRegister to skate → | 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
Free |
| Sun · Sept 13 | Public Skate | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Free |
| Sun · Sept 13 | Public Skate | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Free |
| Mon · Sept 14 | Skate-A-ThonIn support of Children's Health FoundationRegister to skate → | 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
Free |
| Mon · Sept 14 | Public Skate | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Free |
| Tue · Sept 15 | London Speed Skating Club ShowcasePlus learn-to-skate | TBD | Free with Fair Admission |
| Thu · Sept 17 | Hockey Hall of FameIconic trophies, rare artifacts and interactive games. Touring exhibit from Toronto | TBD | Free with Fair Admission |
| Fri · Sept 18 | Hockey Hall of FameTouring exhibit from Toronto | TBD | Free with Fair Admission |
| Sat · Sept 19 | Hockey Hall of FameTouring exhibit from Toronto | TBD | Free with Fair Admission |
| Sun · Sept 20 | NHL Alumni vs London Law Enforcement All StarsSupporting the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics OntarioIncludes FREE Fair Admission | 2:00 PM Doors 1:00 PM |
Ticketed · $20 |
★ See You There
Ready to celebrate 25 years?
Get your Fair tickets and join us September 11–20. Free fair admission with hockey games.