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Galt Arena Gardens celebrates its 100th anniversary
On January 20, 2022, the City of Cambridge marks a century of history and memories at Galt Arena Gardens. Over the past 100 years, this
building has been at the heart of the community.
Galt Arena Gardens is believed to be the world’s oldest continually operating arena, despite some setbacks, the arena has never missed an ice season.
It has been a place for players and fans alike to gather and celebrate sports. Over time, the arena has held numerous events from circuses to the annual elementary school ice skating races. It has provided service to residents and their visitors, whether for sports, religious gatherings, or industrial shows. The local arena has remained a landmark for Galt and Cambridge residents since its opening. It’s a unique building, as the architecture provides a rare example of a barn style arena.
At times, some of the hockey greats called this ice surface (measuring 185x85 feet) home ice – Gordie Howe, Terry Sawchuk, Kenny Wharram, and Bobby Hull – when they played some of their junior hockey here.
Located at 98 Shade Street, Galt Arena Gardens operates seven days a week from September to April and five days a week, May through August.
Find more below:
Celebration activities
Memories of Galt Arena Gardens Engage page
Historical Photo Gallery
Cambridge Sports Hall of Fame display
Milestone timeline
In the News
Sponsorship opportunities
Celebration activities
The City aims to offer nearly 100 different happenings for the community to celebrate together throughout the year. See ways for you to get involved and learn more below. Keep checking back for additional opportunities to participate.
Hockey memorabilia
Available for a limited time at the Service Cambridge counter in City Hall and in the fall at Galt Arena Gardens.
Galt Arena Gardens Centennial Celebration
Join us for a community celebration of the 100 years of memories that have taken place in our historic arena.
Saturday, June 18, 2022
1-5 p.m.
98 Shade Street
The festivities will include:
• Self-Guided Tours
• Live Entertainment
• Food Trucks
• Sport Groups Exhibits
• Roller Skating (with registration)
• Giant Inflatable Hockey Net
• Free admission & parking (south parking lot)
Roller skating registration
Many have fond memories of roller skating nights at the Galt Arena Gardens! During this special celebration, we will once again be hosting roller skating for all ages to enjoy.
Only 80 spaces are offered for each of the time slots below so be sure to register today.
Roller skates will be available free for use or you can bring your own. Sizes are based on a first come, first served basis. Roller blades are also welcome.
1:30-2:30 p.m.
2:45-3:45 p.m.
4-5 p.m.
Register for roller skating now
Show schedule
1 p.m. – The Eric Bolton Band
2 p.m. – The Initials
3 p.m. – Big Dan & Top Side Band
4 p.m. – The Purpletones
Event Sponsors: Aecon & WFCU Credit Union
Memories of Galt Arena Gardens
Visit the Memories of Galt Arena Gardens Engage page throughout this centennial year to share your memories, stories, and photos—or simply appreciate the virtual stroll down memory lane through posts shared by others.
Cambridge Sports Hall of Fame display
The Galt Arena Gardens is currently featuring a Cambridge Sports Hall of Fame display, sharing sports treasures and wealth of knowledge about our city’s sport history from the past 100 years.
The display will be available to the public, offering visitors the opportunity to take in the display and learn about all the teams that have played and championships won at Galt Arena Gardens. Unique historical pieces are included, such as an original program from the first hockey game played in Galt Arena Gardens and the Galt Red Wings Junior A sweater worn by Fred Glover when he played in the 1940s. Visitors will be able to learn about hockey legend Gordie Howe’s career in Galt and view photos from back in the day.
We encourage everyone to visit the Sports Hall of Fame display!
Milestone timeline
Learn more about Galt Arena Garden's long history through the graphic below. Click on the image to make the text larger to read and enjoy.
In the News
- Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Spring 2022 Magazine: Galt Arena Gardens 100th Anniversary Milestone
- News Release February 17, 2022: Cambridge launches Memories of Galt Arena Gardens campaign for community
- News Release January 20, 2022: Galt Arena 100th Anniversary
- CTV Kitchener interview January 20, 2022: Mayor McGarry in Galt Arena Gardens
- 4 part series in the Cambridge Times from January 20, 2022: 'A long lineage': Family roots run deep as Cambridge's Galt Arena Gardens turns 100
- CTV Kitchener's clip from 2020: Galt home to important piece of hockey history
- The Scotiabank documentary from 2019: Hockey 24 (watch Galt Arena Gardens at 6-7:07)
- Sportsnet's feature from 2017 to help celebrate Canada's 150th birthday: Galt Arena Gardens
Sponsorship opportunities
Businesses can take part in the celebrations through various sponsorship opportunities. For further details on ways to connect with the community and build brand awareness, contact Leanne Bond at BondL@cambridge.ca.