Best Sports Venues in Ottawa

Ottawa has eight professional and semi-professional teams playing across two main venues — Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata and TD Place at Lansdowne in The Glebe. Between hockey, football, soccer, lacrosse, and basketball, there's a game to catch nearly every week of the year.

Canadian Tire Centre

Ottawa's largest arena sits in Kanata, about 15 minutes west of downtown via Highway 417. The 18,600-seat venue opened in 1996 and is a cashless facility — no cash accepted anywhere, including parking.

Ottawa Senators (NHL)

The Senators are the city's flagship team, playing roughly 41 home games from October through April. The arena has hosted Stanley Cup Finals games (2007) and Wayne Gretzky's final NHL game in Canada (1999).

• Season: October–April (playoffs into June)
• Tickets: Upper bowl from around $50–60, lower bowl from$100+
• Transit: OC Transpo Route 404 from Tunney's Pasture and Hurdman on game days (~27 min from Tunney's Pasture). Routes 405 and 406 provide additional event-day service
• Parking: 9 lots surrounding the arena, general parking from ~$20. Pre-purchase via Ticketmaster or the Indigo Neo app

Note: A new downtown arena at LeBreton Flats has been in discussions for years. The NCC finalized a land deal in August 2025, but construction is still years away.

Ottawa Black Bears (NLL)

The Black Bears are Ottawa's National Lacrosse League team, playing their inaugural season at Canadian Tire Centre in 2024. Box lacrosse is fast-paced and physical — a good introduction for newcomers to the sport.

• Season: December–April
• Tickets: Rally Row (closest to the floor) from $38, 100-Level from$43 — among the most affordable pro sports tickets in the city

TD Place

TD Place at Lansdowne in The Glebe is the city's most versatile sports complex, with an outdoor stadium (24,000 seats) and an indoor arena (9,500 seats) hosting six different teams. The playing field has existed since the 1870s.

A major advantage of TD Place: event ticket holders ride OC Transpo free — just show your ticket to the bus driver.

Outdoor Stadium

Ottawa Redblacks (CFL)

The Redblacks are Ottawa's Canadian Football League team, playing since 2014. They won the Grey Cup in 2016 and are the city's biggest summer/fall draw.

• Season: June–November (including playoffs)
• Tickets: From around $30 for end zone seats,$60–100+ for better locations
• Tip: Parking at Lansdowne is not available during Redblacks games. Use the free Park & Ride at St. Laurent Shopping Centre (Lot 5) with Route 451 shuttle

Atlético Ottawa (CPL)

Ottawa's Canadian Premier League soccer club won the 2025 CPL Championship. Games have a lively atmosphere for a smaller-league team, with a dedicated supporters section.

• Season: April–November
• Tickets: From around $25

Ottawa Rapid FC (NSL)

The Rapid FC compete in the Northern Super League, Canada's women's professional soccer league. They play summer home matches at TD Place Stadium.

• Season: April–October

Indoor Arena (TD Place Arena)

The arena, formerly the Ottawa Civic Centre, served as the Senators' first NHL home from 1992 to 1996. Today it hosts three teams:

Ottawa 67's (OHL)

One of the most storied franchises in Canadian major junior hockey, the 67's have been playing since 1967. OHL games are a good option for hockey fans who want an affordable, close-to-the-action experience.

• Season: September–March (playoffs into May/June)
• Tickets: From around $17–30

Ottawa Charge (PWHL)

The Charge are Ottawa's Professional Women's Hockey League team, competing in the league's inaugural expansion. PWHL games have drawn strong crowds across the league.

• Season: January–May
• Tickets: From around $20

Ottawa BlackJacks (CEBL)

The BlackJacks play in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. The CEBL season is short and fast — a good summer option when CFL and CPL games aren't on.

• Season: May–August
• Tickets: From around $20

At a Glance

Tips

• Best value: Ottawa Black Bears and Ottawa 67's offer the most affordable live pro sports experiences in the city, both under $45 for good seats
• Best atmosphere: Redblacks games at TD Place — the outdoor setting in The Glebe with Rideau Canal views is unique in the CFL
• Getting to Kanata: Canadian Tire Centre is a 15-minute drive from downtown but transit options are limited to event-day express buses. If driving, arrive early — parking lots can take time to clear after games
• TD Place transit: Take advantage of the free OC Transpo ride with your event ticket. Bus routes 6, 7, and 450–456 serve Lansdowne
• Bike to TD Place: Over 600 bike parking spaces at Lansdowne, including secure Bike and Park at Gate 4. The venue is right on the Rideau Canal pathway
• Food and drink: Canadian Tire Centre has multiple restaurants including The Royal Oak and Bert's. TD Place is surrounded by Lansdowne's shops and restaurants, plus the Glebe's Bank Street dining strip is steps away