Preparations underway for Kitchener Aud’s 75th birthday

Since first opening its doors in 1951, the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium has become more than just the local hockey rink.

Over the years, it’s hosted major sporting events like The Memorial Cup, The Brier and The Scotties. Major musical acts like Pearl Jam, Elton John and Led Zeppelin have played to packed audiences.

And, scores of Waterloo Region children have grown up playing hockey tournaments or watching wrestling, the circus or Ice Capades there.

Sometimes the floor is even turned into a dirt track for motocross and monster truck rallies.

The Aud, as it is more commonly known, has become a place where the community comes together to cheer on their heroes and enjoy world-class entertainment.

Allyson Samms, General Manager of the Aud told 570 NewsRadio that status as a community gathering place is very important to them.

“We really want to continue that connection between the venue and the experiences and the community. Coming up to that 75th year, our mandate is how can be invite more of the community through our doors. So, we’re really looking to diversify and bring some variety into the building.”

For example, last year the Aud hosted the first ever E-sports Call of Duty League World Championships.

Samms said this year, The Ontario Summer Games will host events at the Aud.

She said her team’s goal is to make the community feel like they are part of the building.

“Our team is actively on the ground, looking for new events; 2026, you’re going to see some of those old ones starting to come back or some brand new events coming into the community.”

While the Aud is perhaps best known as the ‘Home of the Kitchener Rangers’, it has proven over the years to be an excellent concert venue.

Kicking off this year’s concert series is Ja Rule with special guest Trina, Saturday, Feb. 28.

Samms said details about a 75th anniversary celebration will be coming in May.