Citizens Business Bank Arena: A Comprehensive Guide to Ontario's Premier Entertainment Destination

Introduction

Citizens Business Bank Arena (CBBA) stands as a beacon of entertainment and excellence within Ontario, Canada. This multi-purpose sports and live event complex has played host to a wide array of sporting events, concerts, and thrilling spectacles since its grand opening in 2008. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to Citizens Business Bank Arena, covering its history, design, amenities, events, and everything else you need to know about this iconic venue.

History of Citizens Business Bank Arena

CBBA's roots can be traced back to the late 1990s, when the Ontario Sports and Entertainment Centre Corporation was established with the mission of developing a state-of-the-art arena in downtown Ontario. The project was initially conceived as a replacement for the aging Civic Arena, which had served as the home of the Ontario Warriors hockey team for several decades.

After extensive planning and construction, Citizens Business Bank Arena was officially unveiled on February 14, 2008, with a grand opening ceremony attended by community leaders and celebrities. The arena's naming rights were acquired by Citizens Business Bank, a leading financial institution in the Ontario region.

Architectural Design and Features

Citizens Business Bank Arena is a marvel of modern architecture and design. The arena features an iconic oval shape, with a sleek exterior that boasts a stunning glass facade. The complex covers an area of approximately 1.3 million square feet and encompasses a variety of amenities and facilities.

Key architectural features of CBBA include:

• Spacious arena bowl: The arena bowl has a seating capacity of 19,000, making it one of Ontario's largest indoor venues.
• Retractable roof: The arena's retractable roof allows for open-air events and provides a unique and versatile space for various occasions.
• Luxury suites: CBBA features over 100 private suites that offer exclusive amenities and panoramic views of the arena bowl.
• Club seats: Club seats provide an elevated experience with premium amenities, including in-seat food and beverage service.
• State-of-the-art sound and lighting systems: CBBA boasts world-class sound and lighting systems that enhance the overall entertainment experience for attendees.

Amenities and Facilities

In addition to its impressive architectural design, Citizens Business Bank Arena offers a wide range of amenities and facilities to cater to the needs of attendees, performers, and staff. These include:

• Concessions and dining options: CBBA offers a variety of food and beverage options, including restaurants, concession stands, and premium dining experiences.
• Merchandise store: The official CBBA merchandise store sells a wide range of apparel, souvenirs, and memorabilia.
• Meeting and event spaces: CBBA has several meeting and event spaces available for rent, making it an ideal venue for corporate events, private functions, and conferences.
• Accessible seating: CBBA is fully accessible, with designated seating areas for patrons with disabilities.
• Parking: Ample parking is available for attendees at CBBA's on-site parking garage and nearby public lots.

Events and Entertainment

Citizens Business Bank Arena is a hub for entertainment and sporting events in Ontario. The arena hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year, including:

• Hockey: CBBA is the home arena for the Ontario Warriors hockey team, which competes in the American Hockey League.
• Concerts: CBBA has hosted a wide range of musical artists, including Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, and Beyoncé.
• Shows and performances: CBBA has hosted various shows and performances, including Cirque du Soleil, the Harlem Globetrotters, and Disney on Ice.
• Special events: CBBA has also hosted special events, such as political rallies, award ceremonies, and sporting tournaments.

Tickets and Pricing

Ticket prices for events at Citizens Business Bank Arena vary depending on the event, seating location, and demand. Tickets can be purchased online through the CBBA website, by phone, or at the arena box office.

Here is a general breakdown of ticket pricing:

Tips and Tricks for Attending Events at CBBA

To make the most of your event experience at Citizens Business Bank Arena, follow these tips and tricks:

• Purchase tickets in advance: Tickets for popular events sell out quickly, so it's advisable to purchase tickets as soon as they become available.
• Arrive early: Arriving early will allow you to find your seats, get food and drinks, and avoid long lines at the entrance.
• Dress appropriately: The dress code at CBBA is casual, but it's recommended to wear comfortable clothing and shoes as you will be spending a significant amount of time in the arena.
• Leave valuables at home: To ensure your safety and avoid unnecessary distractions, it's best to leave valuables at home or in your hotel room.
• Follow the venue rules: Be respectful of the venue staff and follow the rules and regulations of Citizens Business Bank Arena.

How to Get to Citizens Business Bank Arena

Citizens Business Bank Arena is conveniently located in downtown Ontario:

• By car: The arena is easily accessible by car via several major highways.
• By public transit: The arena is served by multiple bus and rail lines, making it easy to get to and from CBBA using public transportation.
• By foot: The arena is within walking distance of several hotels, restaurants, and attractions in downtown Ontario.

Compare Citizens Business Bank Arena to Other Venues

Pros and Cons of Citizens Business Bank Arena

Pros:

• State-of-the-art facilities: CBBA boasts world-class amenities and facilities that enhance the overall event experience for attendees.
• Variety of events: CBBA hosts a wide range of events, including hockey games, concerts, shows, and special events.
• Convenient location: The arena is conveniently located in downtown Ontario, making it easy to get to and from.
• Comfortable seating: CBBA offers a variety of seating options, including luxury suites, club seats, and accessible seating.
• Excellent acoustics: The arena's state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems provide an exceptional acoustic experience for attendees.

Cons:

• High ticket prices: Ticket prices for popular events at CBBA can be expensive.
• Long lines and crowds: The arena can get crowded, especially during major events, which can lead to long lines and wait times.
• Limited parking: Parking at CBBA can be limited, especially during major events.
• Limited food and beverage options: The arena's food and beverage options can be somewhat limited, especially during peak hours.

FAQs about Citizens Business Bank Arena

Q: What is the seating capacity of Citizens Business Bank Arena?
A: 19,000

Q: What events are held at Citizens Business Bank Arena?
A: Hockey games, concerts, shows, and special events

Q: Where is Citizens Business Bank Arena located?
A: Downtown Ontario, CA

Q: How can I purchase tickets for events at Citizens Business Bank Arena?
A: Online through the CBBA website, by phone, or at the arena box office

Q: Is Citizens Business Bank Arena accessible?
A: Yes, CBBA is fully accessible with designated seating areas for patrons with disabilities.

Q: What are the pros of attending events at Citizens Business Bank Arena?
A: State-of-the-art facilities, variety of events, convenient location, comfortable seating, and excellent acoustics.

Q: What are the cons of attending events at Citizens Business Bank Arena?
A: High ticket prices, long lines and crowds, limited parking, and limited food and beverage options.

Conclusion

Citizens Business Bank Arena stands as a premier entertainment destination in Ontario, offering a wide range of sporting events, concerts, shows, and special events. With its state-of-the-art facilities, convenient location, and comfortable seating, CBBA provides an exceptional experience for attendees. While ticket prices can be expensive and crowds can be large, the overall quality and variety of events make CBBA a top choice for entertainment in Ontario.