Discovering Photogenic Toronto - Ricoh Coliseum

Discovering Photogenic Toronto – Ricoh Coliseum

Mar 5, 2013 Estonian Life No. 10 2013

The Ricoh Coliseum, located on the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition, first opened in 1921. It was initially known as the Civic Arena and then became the CNE Coliseum. Since 1922, it has hosted equestrian events at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. In 2003, the Ricoh corporation secured naming rights to the building. The American Hockey League's Toronto Maple Leafs farm team, the Toronto Marlies, relocated to Toronto (from St. John's, Newfoundland) and began to play hockey at the Ricoh in the fall of 2005.

The Ricoh Coliseum seats 8200 fans for hockey. Its sight-lines are excellent. Ticket prices are very reasonable, making a family outing very feasible. Most Marlies games are played on Saturday and Sunday with typically a 3 pm starting time. Fans are also entertained by Duke the Dog, the Marlies mascot. The calibre of hockey being played is excellent, as witnessed by the National Hockey League success this year of Nazim Kadri, James Reimer, Ben Scrivens, Colton Orr and Korbinian Holzer, all who played for the Marlies last year. This year the Marlies continue to play well, with some players going back and forth to “the big team” down the road at the Air Canada Centre.

The game on March 3 was Armed Forces Appreciation Day and saw the Marlies playing in camouflage uniforms. The game was a tight defensive battle and had to be decided in a shootout. The Marlies won 2-1.

If you are a fan of fast-paced hockey in an intimate setting, the Ricoh Coliseum will be just right for you.

Peeter Põldre

Photo gallery – photos by Peeter Põldre