NIAGARA FALLS, ON – Today Stephen Rigby, President and CEO of Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), was joined by the Honourable Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance, Jim Diodati, Mayor of Niagara Falls, and Joe Dicosimo, President of Hospitality Resorts Inc., partner of the Niagara Falls Entertainment Partners GP, at the ceremonial groundbreaking of a new large-scale Niagara Falls Entertainment Centre (NFEC) in downtown Niagara Falls.

“Niagara Falls has always been a great draw for visitors and tourists, so it’s important we do what we can to drive economic development, create good jobs and attract more businesses to the region,” said Minister Charles Sousa. “Since the first casino opened 21 years ago, the province has made significant financial contributions to Niagara Falls. The new entertainment centre is a formidable project that will go a long way toward building long-term economic prosperity.”

Expected to open in 2019, the new entertainment centre will accommodate larger concerts, shows and attractions and is expected to draw more visitors to the City of Niagara Falls and OLG’s Niagara casinos.

"The development of the Niagara Falls Entertainment Centre demonstrates OLG's commitment to enhancing the entertainment experience for our customers,” said Stephen Rigby. “Providing access to concerts, shows and attractions will help promote greater economic development and tourism activity while generating revenues for both the Province of Ontario and the Niagara Region."

The state-of-the-art centre will invest approximately $132 million, feature more than 5,000 seats and create over 800 construction and entertainment industry jobs in the city and surrounding area. The NFEC will be located adjacent to Fallsview Casino Resort, next to the Hilton Hotel and connected to the casino by an enclosed pedestrian walkway.

“We are excited to break ground on this facility which will be a highlight to both the people of our community and our tourism industry,” said Mayor Jim Diodati. “Having an entertainment centre that can host big acts will bring more quality shows to Niagara Falls while encouraging continued economic growth as well. This is a big win for our City!”

“We are pleased to be a part of this exciting project,” said Joe DiCosimo. “The Niagara Falls Entertainment Centre will provide visitors to the Niagara Falls area with another exceptional first class experience.”

The future service provider for the Niagara Gaming Bundle will be responsible for day-to-day operation of the entertainment centre. OLG expects to announce the successful service provider for the bundle in summer 2018.

OLG is the Ontario government agency that delivers gaming entertainment in a socially responsible manner. OLG conducts and manages gaming facilities, the sale of province-wide lottery games, PlayOLG Internet gaming, the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres and is helping to build a more sustainable horse racing industry in Ontario. Since 1975, OLG has provided nearly $47 billion to the Province and the people of Ontario. These payments to the province support the operation of hospitals, amateur sport through the Quest for Gold program, local and provincial charities and problem gambling prevention, treatment and research.

All for Here – 100 per cent of OLG’s proceeds are invested in Ontario
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