Hamilton Place will be renamed FirstOntario Concert Hall

One of Hamilton’s most well-known concert venues will be changing its name in 2017.

Hamilton City Council approved a name change that will convert Hamilton Place into FirstOntario Concert Hall.

Councillor Jason Farr says this deal will help keep the venue among the best in the world. “While Hamilton Place is a premiere theatre venue with internationally recognized and appreciated acoustics, it is an aging facility,” said Farr. “Maintenance and operations will be improved, thus the theatre will maintain it’s stellar rep and remain a desirable stop for top quality performances.”

The performing arts theatre will now share a similar name to Hamilton arena FirstOntario Centre, formerly known as Copps Coliseum.

Earlier this month, the city said Ronald Joyce sponsored Hamilton Place at $200,000 annually but that deal expires in October 2017.

That agreement will likely end early now that council has approved the name change.

The 10-year, $2.5 million deal will see FirstOntario Credit Union pay $400,000 up front for capital improvements.

Hamilton Place is one of the busiest theatres in the country and has hosted performances by Blue Rodeo, Jerry Seinfeld, John Mellencamp, Slash and Gordon Lightfoot.