Prime Arena Holdings: Canada Engagement Programme

Prime Arena Holdings Limited recently completed a three‑day programme in Canada, engaging with leaders across professional sport, government, business, culture and the Irish diaspora. The visit formed an important part of our ongoing due‑diligence and international collaboration efforts as we advance plans for Ireland’s first Olympic‑standard ice facility and multi‑purpose arena at Cherrywood.

Across Toronto and Ottawa, the Prime Arena team met with stakeholders who have shaped elite hockey, world‑class venue operations, large‑scale live entertainment and Ireland–Canada relations. Their insights continue to inform our ambition to deliver a facility that will serve athletes, fans, communities and Ireland’s wider sporting and cultural ecosystem.

🇨🇦 Day 1 — Sport, Performance & International Best Practice

Our programme began in Toronto with a series of high level engagements focused on elite performance, infrastructure standards and player pathways.

We were honoured to meet Andrew Wolfe, Devin Smith and Jennifer McFaul of the NHLPA, whose expertise, supported by Marty Walsh, has been invaluable to the Prime Arena team. Our thanks to Cory Cross for facilitating the discussions and for his continued support as we explore future collaboration opportunities.

The team then received a behind the scenes tour of the MLSE training facilities, home of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Thanks to Bobby Hastings for providing detailed insights into what Dublin needs for a world class professional ice hockey environment, from elite player facilities and performance standards to hospitality, fan experience and operational excellence.

We also had the pleasure of meeting Glenn Healy of the NHL Alumni Association to discuss the role of alumni, legacy and community in growing the game.

The day concluded with further discussions across sport, operations and long term partnership opportunities, reinforcing our ambition to deliver a world class professional ice hockey and live events facility in Dublin, aligned with international best practice.

🇨🇦 Day 2 — Arena Vision, Cultural Linkages and A Night at the Leafs

Day Two in Toronto showcased the breadth of opportunity that a modern, multi purpose arena can unlock across sport, culture and entertainment.

Prime Arena hosted a reception with members of the NHL Alumni community and Government stakeholders, sharing our vision for Ireland’s first winter sports and events arena. We were grateful for the generous engagement from leaders who have shaped the game at the highest level, including Ontario Minister Todd McCarthy.

Conversations explored the long term impact that Prime Arena can have on Irish sport, from grassroots pathways to elite performance and international competition, as well as its wider cultural, tourism and economic value.

The day concluded at a Toronto Maple Leafs game, a fitting backdrop given the club’s early identity as the St. Patricks, symbolising the deep and historic connection between Ireland and Canadian hockey. The experience offered invaluable insight into elite game day operations, fan experience design and the role of a downtown arena in city life.

Our thanks to

• Pat Flatley, former Captain of the Canadian Olympic Committee ice hockey team and Prime Arena investor

• Glenn Healy, NHL Alumni Association

• Paul and the Toronto Maple Leafs operations team, for welcoming Prime Arena behind the scenes and providing access to the NHL bunker and production facilities

This was truly a defining day, underscoring the scale of opportunity and the potential for Ireland’s future sporting, cultural and entertainment infrastructure.

🇨🇦 Day 3- Ottawa, Diplomacy and Ireland–Canada 180

The final day brought the Prime Arena programme to Ottawa, with a focus on diplomacy, political leadership and Ireland–Canada relations.

We were honoured to attend the launch of Canada–Ireland 180, hosted by the Embassy of Ireland, Ottawa. Under the leadership of Ambassador John Concannon, this initiative celebrates the shared history, present collaboration and future potential of the Ireland–Canada relationship. It was a fitting platform to discuss the role that Prime Arena can play in deepening bilateral ties across sport, culture and business.

We were also delighted to meet again with James Maloney, MP for Etobicoke–Lakeshore, a strong and consistent supporter of the Prime Arena project, and Brian O’Gallagher, Honorary Consul of Ireland for Quebec, to discuss diaspora engagement, cultural exchange and future investment opportunities.

The team attended the Prime Time Conference, Canada’s leading screen industry forum, where Minister Patrick O’Donovan TD delivered the keynote address, highlighting the importance of creativity, ambition and international partnership, themes that resonate deeply with our own project.

Further meetings with Allison Wallach of Fox Entertainment and Pat Kiely of BiggerStage explored the intersections of sport, entertainment and large scale live production.

The day concluded with warm hospitality from John and Mary Concannon, for which we extend our sincere gratitude.

Looking Ahead

Our Canada programme reinforced the shared belief, across sport, entertainment, diplomacy and business, in the potential of Prime Arena to elevate Ireland’s sporting landscape, strengthen international partnerships and deliver a venue of national significance.

We look forward to building on this momentum as we work with partners at home and abroad to deliver a facility that will serve athletes, families, communities and Ireland’s broader cultural and economic ambitions.