2021 – Looking southwest towards the north entrance of the Coca-Cola Coliseum at Exhibition Place in Toronto
The Coliseum Complex is located at 45 Manitoba Dr (adjoined to the north side of the Enercare Centre) in the northeast corner of Exhibition Place in Toronto.
An Arena for the Winter Fair
In 1918, the Canadian National Exhibition Association and the three levels of government agreed to build a vast arena for the CNE and to also house the newly formed Winter Fair. Today, known as The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair or The Royal, the event was organized to showcase Canadian agriculture and livestock and celebrate farmers’ accomplishments from across the country. Funding for the project was provided by the government and through the sale of subscriptions. The plan was to have the arena ready for the first Winter Fair in 1921.
The Coliseum
1921 – Looking northwest towards the construction of the Coliseum. Before being named, it was known as the Live Stock Arena (Toronto Public Library TSPA_0111997F)
The complex of Classical style buildings began with the construction of the Coliseum and its East and West Annexes in 1921. City architect George FW Price designed the monumental, two-storey yellow brick building in a restrained Beaux Arts style. Both the north and south sides of the Coliseum’s centre block featured round-arched parapets flanked by a pair of towers with copper domes.
Though incomplete, the first event held in the 6,200-seat arena was formally opened by Mayor Tommy Church in December 1921. Spectators filled the wooden chairs surrounding the ring for a Track & Field meet, during which the building’s dedication also took place. A local newspaper called the yet unnamed building the Civic Arena at Exhibition Park.
When the Coliseum was finished, it cost $1 million to construct and took 500 construction workers, 4,000,000 bricks, 2,000 tons of steel, 12,000 barrels of cement, 5,400 tons of 1/2 and 3/4 inch stone, and 6,000 tons of sand to build. It initially sat on 8.5 acres of land and was the largest single exhibition building in the world.
The Coliseum opened during the 1922 CNE. Although it was a year later than planned due to construction delays, the inaugural Royal Winter Fair in 1922 was hugely successful. General admission cost 25¢, and attendance exceeded expectations.
The Cattle, Sheep, Swine & Judging Pavilions
2020 – This cow head and laurel leaves roundel was once located on the south wall portion of the Livestock Pavilions that was removed to connect the National Trade Centre in the mid-1990s. This heritage piece is now located on a wall at the Heritage Court entrance
In 1927, construction began on four additional Livestock Pavilions for cattle, sheep, swine and judging located directly east of the Coliseum’s East Annex. These extension buildings were designed by the next city architect, JJ Woolnough, and cost approximately $1.4 million. Opening in time for the 1927 Canadian National Exhibition, the complex’s total area increased to 16.5 acres, and it continued to rank as the largest in the world.
Also clad with yellow brick, the Cattle, Swine and former Sheep Pavilions were highlighted with sculpted stone roundels showing their respective animal heads and laurel leaves.
The main entrance to the Livestock Pavilions was a trio of doors in a stone portico. They feature swag motifs, semi-engaged Doric columns and the name band “LIVE STOCK.” While the doors were initially accessed from the south exterior, in a 1995 expansion, they became part of the interior of Heritage Court.
R.C.A.F. Recruitment Centre
In 1939 and throughout the Second World War, Exhibition Place grounds were used by the Canadian Armed Forces. Known as Exhibition Camp, the large buildings became home to various military departments. The Coliseum was temporarily renamed Manning Depot #1 and was occupied by the Royal Canadian Air Force. Areas in the complex were used for barracks, the mess hall, headquarters and more, with over 139,750 members of the R.C.A.F. passing through the Coliseum’s doors. During the war, the arena hosted celebrities like Wayne and Shuster, Bob Hope and Spike Jones to entertain the troops.
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair did not resume until 1946, and the first post-war CNE was the following year. In 1948, the south entrance of the Coliseum was dressed with aluminum.
The New Sheep & Swine Building
After the 1960 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, the Sheep Pavilion was demolished to make way for the new two-storey Sheep and Swine Building, which opened in 1961. It was designed by the architect firm John B Parkin Associates, assisted by Earle C Morgan. The new $1 million building could be converted from pens and a judging ring into general exhibition use.
A Major Facelift
1963 – The Coliseum’s new look was unveiled for the 1963 CNE. Along with many interior updates, the $3 million renovation dramatically changed the south facade of the building (Courtesy of the Canadian National Exhibition Association Archives)
In 1962/63, the Coliseum underwent a $3 million major renovation under the direction of the architect firm Barclay, Arthur & Fleury. There were many interior alterations, including removing several steel columns that supported the arena’s roof and replacing them with steel trusses to improve visibility. However, one of the most dramatic changes was on the building’s south-facing exterior.
The tops of the twin towers and the south wall were removed. Ready for the 1963 CNE, the south facade of the Coliseum was replaced with a new “festive-looking” design. At the entrance, cantilevered canopies flanked a white and yellow hexagonal-shaped building that housed the Agricultural Hall of Fame. The entire south wall of the arena was clad with rectangular-shaped panels of enamelled aluminum and steel. Above the roofline was the sign “COLISEUM.”
The Restoration & the National Trade Centre
2022 – The South Entrance to the Coca-Cola Coliseum in Heritage Court during the 100th anniversary of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. The elegant portico and columns are a recreation of the 1922 entrance
In 1995, construction began on the National Trade Centre, and with it, the existing Coliseum Complex was incorporated into the new exhibit centre. The east wall and part of the south wall of the Cattle Pavilion (also known as the Industry Building), all of the Judging Pavilion and the south extension of the Sheep and Swine Building were removed.
Over the years, the Coliseum has undergone a few transformations. Officials wanted to keep the landmark building intact and return it to its historical face. They worked with ERA Architects, which specializes in restoring historic and architecturally significant buildings. Window openings and doorways that had been covered or bricked up were opened and repaired, the bricks and copper domes were cleaned and much more.
One of the most interesting pieces of work was the restoration of the Coliseum’s south wall along with the reconstruction of the South Entrance’s elegant portico and columns, which had been removed more than three decades before. Many of the bricks used in the recreation were salvaged from the demolished portions of the complex.
In 1997, the $180 million National Trade Centre (later the Direct Energy Centre, and today, the Enercare Centre) opened with its first event, the National Home Show.
The Ricoh/Coca-Cola Coliseum & the Marlies
2022 – Looking northeast towards the Coca-Cola Coliseum located at Exhibition Place in Toronto
In 2003, the historic Coliseum building underwent a $38 million renovation and was renamed the Ricoh Coliseum. One of the many updates included lowering the arena floor by 1.5 m or 5 ft, putting on a new roof, adding private suites and increasing seating capacity (currently at a maximum of 9,000). The arena became home ice for the Toronto Roadrunners, the Edmonton Oiler’s minor-league farm team. The first hockey game played in the historic arena was on November 1, 2003.
In 2005, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced they were relocating their AHL affiliate from St John’s, Newfoundland, to Toronto’s Ricoh Coliseum. In 2018, the arena was renamed the Coca-Cola Coliseum, which continues to be home to the professional hockey team, the Toronto Marlies.
Throughout the years, along with showcasing Canada’s livestock, agriculture and farm products, the Coliseum Complex has hosted several other events. They include concerts (Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Genesis, The Animals, The Who), circuses, jamborees, tournaments, sporting events (boxing, skating, tennis, weight lifting), as well as trade and consumer shows like the Toronto Sportsmen Show and the Toronto International Boat Show. And we can’t forget about the CNE.
Did You Know?
In 1921, the construction of the Coliseum was delayed by a year because City Council reversed their decision to have Anglin-Norcross Ltd, a Montreal-based firm, build the structure. Some were concerned about the job going to an out-of-province contractor. In the end, Anglin-Norcross did oversee the Coliseum’s construction.
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair was approved for Royal designation by King George V of Britain.
In 1931, the Horse Palace was constructed directly west of the complex, relieving some of the stress on the Coliseum.
After the Second World War, a Globe and Mail newspaper article mentions R.C.A.F. airmen returning to their former Coliseum quarters during the 1946 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. They said that cattle and pigs now occupied their former sleeping quarters, the sergeants’ mess had been converted to a tropical fish display, and the cement floor of the arena where they lined up for the morning parade was now covered with 6 inches of clay and sand.
In 1973, the Coliseum was on the City of Toronto’s first heritage induction list, and in 1996, the complex received heritage status from the Ontario Heritage Trust.
The copper-topped domes of the Coliseum are visible from the Gardiner Expressway and are a significant part of the CNE skyline.
Where did the Marlies name originate? In the late 1800s, a group of Toronto business people established the Toronto Marlborough Athletic Club. It was named after a line of British noblemen called the Dukes of Marlborough. The club participated in various sports, and in the early 1900s, the Toronto Marlboroughs hockey team was formed. In 1927, Conn Smythe bought Toronto’s NHL franchise, the St Pats and renamed the team the Maple Leafs. Mr Smythe understood the need for a strong junior team and would make the Marlboros part of the Toronto Maple Leafs organization.
The Royal celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2022.
Coliseum Complex Photos
1925 – Looking west towards the Coliseum, present-day Coca-Cola Coliseum, at Exhibition Place in Toronto. Notice the Exhibition Stadium & Grandstand in the background (CNE Archives)2021 – The north side of the Coca-Cola Coliseum at Exhibition Place in Toronto. Built in 1921/22, the Classical style structure was designed by city architect George FW PriceJune 22, 1921 – Looking northeast at Exhibition grounds towards the Coliseum construction site (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1172, Series 1021, Item 1) July 27, 1921 – Laying of the cornerstone by Mayor Thomas Church for the Coliseum arena at Exhibition grounds. The inscription on the stone says “LAID BY T.L. CHURCH MAYOR – A.D. 1921 – G.F.W. PRICE Architect – ANGLIN-NORCROSS LTD Contractors (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 432)August 10, 1921 – The interior of the Coliseum during construction. When completed, the arena had a seating capacity of 6,200 (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1172, Series 1021, Item 15) September 9, 1921 – An aerial photo looking towards the south face of the Coliseum’s West Annex during construction. Notice the rides and food stands on the CNE Midway in front of the Coliseum (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1231, Item 945) 2023 – Looking northeast towards the Coca-Cola Coliseum’s West Annex2022 – Looking northeast towards the Coca-Cola Coliseum located at Exhibition Place in TorontoSeptember 12, 1921 – Looking towards the south facade of the Coliseum during construction. Notice the banners on the Coliseum roof say “Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Livestock Arena, $70,000 in Prizes, November 10 to 24″ and “All the Bricks… Don Valley Brick Works Co” (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1172, Series 1021, Item 16)October 13, 1921 – The south façade of the Coliseum during construction. Today, the south entrance is accessed from the interior through Heritage Court (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1172, Series 1021, Item 25) November 10, 1921 – The 6,200-seat Coliseum arena formally opened in December 1921 for the building dedication, and a Track & Field meet. Notice the seats around the ring are wooden chairs (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1231, Item 937)2022 – The Royal Horse Show during The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Coca-Cola Coliseum2023 – The arena inside the Coca-Cola Coliseum became the world’s largest indoor lake for boaters during the 65th annual Toronto International Boat Show. The lake featured wakeboard shows, boat rides, races and more1921 – Looking northwest towards the construction of the Coliseum. Before being named, it was known as the Live Stock Arena (Toronto Public Library TSPA_0111997F) Between 1923 and 1924 – Billboard advertising for the Royal Winter Fair from November 18 to 26 at the “Royal” Coliseum Toronto. General admission was 25¢ (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1488, Series 1230, Item 1987)1926 – The Royal Canadian Horse Artillery band on the steps of the Coliseum’s south entrance (Library and Archives Canada e010932406) April 14, 1926 – Drawing of the proposed additions to Live Stock Show Buildings at Exhibition Park (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 688)April 4, 1927 – The TTC platform on the south side of the Coliseum just prior to the construction of the Livestock Buildings. Notice the Coliseum originally had four copper-domed towers. Today, only two north-facing towers remain (in the background on the right), and they’re visible from the Gardiner Expressway (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1231, Item 1252)May 16, 1927 – Looking northwest towards the construction of the Cattle Pavilion with the Coliseum in the background (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 712)May 31, 1927 – Laying of the cornerstone by Mayor Thomas Foster for the Livestock Buildings at Exhibition grounds (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 717)2022 – The Coliseum Complex cornerstone reads:
“This Stone was laid by Thomas Foster Esquire. Mayor of Toronto on the 31st day of May A.D. 1927”
The plaque is located on the exterior wall of the Coliseum Complex, North ExtensionJune 17, 1927 – Cow head and laurel leaves roundels (also known as medallions) during the construction of the Cattle Pavilion. Today, these roundels can be seen on the north side of the Cattle Pavilion/Industry Building on Manitoba Dr. There is also one located on a wall at the Heritage Court entrance (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 724)2020 – This cow head and laurel leaves roundel was once located on the south wall portion of the Livestock Pavilions that was removed to connect the National Trade Centre in the mid-1990s. This heritage piece is now located on a wall at the Heritage Court entranceJune 28, 1927 – Looking southwest from what’s known today as Manitoba Dr towards the Swine Pavilion (on the left) and Cattle Pavilion (in the centre right) during construction, with the Coliseum in the background (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 725)August 2, 1927 – Looking northeast towards the Cattle Pavilion (in the centre) and Sheep Pavilion (in the background on the right) during construction. The small wood structures and the track was for the TTC loop that was once located on the south side of the Coliseum Complex (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 731)August 10, 1927 – Cattle Pavilion the year the building opened (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 733)August 10, 1927 – Sheep Pavilion the year the building opened (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 735)August 10, 1927 – Swine Pavilion the year the building opened (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 735)September 21, 1927 – Looking northwest toward the Livestock Arena Office, once located between the Coliseum’s East Annex and the Cattle Pavilion at Exhibition grounds (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 736) September 21, 1927 – The principal entrance to the Livestock Pavillion during construction. The trio of doors are in a stone portico and feature swag motifs, semi-engaged Doric columns and the name band “LIVE STOCK.” This heritage entrance is today under the cover of the Coliseum Complex’s roof in what is known as Heritage Court (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 737)2022 – The Livestock Pavilion entrance at the east end of Heritage Court lit in blue during The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair1928 – Looking northwest towards the south side of the Coliseum, today’s Coca-Cola Coliseum. Much of the south facade is today under the cover of the complex’s roof and is part of Heritage Court (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 16, Series 71, Item 5749) April 11, 1928 – Looking northeast towards the West Annex and the Coliseum, present-day Coca-Cola Coliseum, at Exhibition Place. The Coliseum Complex received heritage status in 1973 (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 16, Series 71, Item 5748) 1920s – Sulky races at Exhibition Stadium with the Coliseum in the background, during the Canadian National Exhibition (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1244, Item 267A)1926 – A horse named “Toby” of the Royal Canadian Dragoons at Stanley Barracks with the Coliseum in the background (Library and Archives Canada PA-060363)1928 – Looking east toward a very crowded CNE Midway. Notice the Coliseum in the background on the left (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1266, Item 14691) 1930 – Looking north towards a Toronto Transit Commission streetcar with the Coliseum in the background. The TTC once looped in an area between the south side of the Coliseum and north of Princes’ Blvd at Exhibition grounds (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 16, Series 71, Item 8025)1930 – Looking northeast, the Coliseum is in the background and the Horse Stables, where the present-day Horse Palace is located, are in the foreground (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1231, Item 1455)1930 – Livestock Building entrance at Exhibition Place. Notice there were once steps leading up to the doors. Also, notice the lamps and copper eavestroughs and downspouts which still exist today (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 933)2022 – The Livestock Pavilion entrance at the east end of Heritage Court. The trio of doors in a stone portico was once part of the building’s exterior before being covered in the mid-1990s2022 – Above the trio of doors at the Livestock Pavilion entrance are swag motifs and the name band “LIVE STOCK.” It was built in 1927 and also features semi-engaged Doric columns1933 – Eastern entrance of the Exhibition grounds, just west of Strachan Ave. The Coliseum and portion of the Exhibition Grandstand are in the background (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 16, Series 71, Item 9847)1934 – Belgian horse showing in front of the Coliseum’s Annex at Exhibition Place (CNE Archives)1936 – Looking west towards the TTC loading platform once at the eastern entrance of Exhibition Park. Notice the Cattle Pavilion and the Coliseum on the right (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 16, Series 71, Item 11554)1936 – The Coliseum’s south entrance at Exhibition grounds (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 1411) 1937 – Crowds on the Canadian National Exhibition Midway in front of the Coliseum (CNE Archives)1939 – Advertising for the Horse Show at the Coliseum over Yonge St, between King St and Adelaide St (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 58) Circa 1940 – Horse and cattle judging in the Coliseum. Today, the arena is also home to the Toronto Marlies (Courtesy of the Canadian National Exhibition Association Archives)2023 – An engineering marvel, the arena inside the Coca-Cola Coliseum was transformed into the world’s largest indoor lake for the 65th annual Toronto International Boat Show1940 – During the Second World War, the Coliseum Complex became the R.C.A.F. #1 Manning Depot. Areas in the complex were used for barracks, the mess hall, headquarters and more (Courtesy of the Canadian National Exhibition Association Archives)1940 – A military parade in front of the Coliseum’s south side. During the Second World War, the Coliseum became the main station for the Royal Canadian Air Force. CNE grounds became known as Exhibition Camp, with the large buildings becoming home to various departments of the military (Courtesy of the Canadian National Exhibition Association Archives)1940 – Looking northeast towards rides on the CNE Midway in front of the Coliseum and West Annex. Notice the sign “STREET CARS” on the tower at the Coliseum. A TTC loop was once located on the south side of the Coliseum and Livestock Buildings (CNE Archives)1948 – This same year, the south entrance of the Coliseum got a new look and was dressed with aluminum. A sign above the door is advertising the Horse Show during the CNE (Courtesy of the Canadian National Exhibition Association Archives)2022 – The South Entrance to the Coca-Cola Coliseum at Exhibition Place. Originally on the exterior, the entrance is now part of Heritage Court2023 – Boats on display at the South Entrance of the Coliseum Complex during the 65th annual Toronto International Boat Show1949 – The CNE Midway in front of the Coliseum. Notice the south entrance of the Coliseum had undergone a redesign and was dressed with aluminum (Courtesy of the Canadian National Exhibition Association Archives)1954 – The CNE Midway on the south side of the Coliseum. Notice the front of the Coliseum is decorated with the “ER” symbol, which stands for “Elizabeth Regina,” the initials of Queen Elizabeth II. A sign on the Coliseum says “Holiday on Ice of 1954” (Library and Archives Canada PA-052876)1955 – Masons exiting the Coliseum’s East Annex doors during the Canadian National Exhibition. Notice the Livestock Pavilion doors in the background. This area is now indoors and part of Heritage Court (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 5766)2022 – The Live Stock Building entrance is on the right, and the East Annex or Exhibit Hall F is on the left in Heritage Court at Exhibition Place. Originally accessed from the exterior in the mid-1990s, these entrances were incorporated into the National Trade Centre, today known as the Enercare Centre1961 – Looking north towards the CNE Midway with the Coliseum in the background. Notice the tops of the twin towers on the south side have not yet been removed (Courtesy of the Canadian National Exhibition Association Archives)1961 – Map of the Canadian National Exhibition Grounds with the Coliseum Complex outlined (Exhibition Place Records & Archives)1962 – The Sheep & Swine Building at Exhibition grounds opened the previous year. The old 1927-built Sheep Pavilion was demolished to make way for this new two-storey building which could also be converted from pens and a judging ring into general exhibition use. This building no longer exists and was taken down during the 1995/97 construction of the National Trade Centre, today’s Enercare Centre (Courtesy of the Canadian National Exhibition Association Archives)1963 – The Coliseum’s new look was unveiled for the 1963 CNE. Along with many interior updates, the $3 million renovation dramatically changed the south facade of the building (Courtesy of the Canadian National Exhibition Association Archives)1960s – A view of the CNE Midway with the “festive-looking” update of the Coliseum’s facade in the background. Notice the tops of the twin towers on the south side have been removed (CNE Archives)1965 – A view of crowds below the sky ride and front of the redesigned Coliseum facade during the CNE. The white and yellow hexagonal-shaped building housed the Agricultural Hall of Fame (CNE Archives)1974 – The swing ride in front of the Coliseum during the CNE (Courtesy of the Canadian National Exhibition Association Archives)1970s – An aerial view of the Canadian National Exhibition Midway. Notice the Coliseum Building in the distance, the Flyer roller coaster in the front centre, and the Bulova Tower, originally the Shell Oil Tower, on the right (CNE Archives)1975 – The International Black Belt Judo Championships being held at the Coliseum during the CNE (Courtesy of the Canadian National Exhibition Association Archives)Between 1978 and 1987 – The south facade of the Coliseum, today is known as the Coca-Cola Coliseum at Exhibition Place. The Coliseum’s facade was clad with rectangular-shaped panels of enamelled aluminum and steel, which was done in 1962/63 (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds, Series 1465, File 363, Item 9)2022 – The South Entrance to the Coca-Cola Coliseum in Heritage Court during the 100th anniversary of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. The elegant portico and columns are a recreation of the 1922 entrance2023 – The South Entrance inside Heritage Court at the Coliseum Complex during the 65th annual Toronto International Boat Show. Through the doors, the arena was transformed into the world’s largest indoor lake2022 – The entrance to the East Annex, also known as Exhibit Hall F at the Coliseum at Exhibition Place. The cast stone statues flanking the door were originally located atop the entrance colonnade of the former Electrical and Engineering Building. The “Statues of Industry” were created by artist Charles Duncan McKechnie2022 – The East Annex, also called Exhibit Hall F, in Heritage Court at Exhibition Place. The East Annex was built in 1921/22 and is on the east side of today’s Coca-Cola Coliseum. Artist Charles Duncan McKechnie designed the four stone statues along the front of the building. They once adorned the top of the entrance colonnade of the former Electrical and Engineering Building2020 – This ram head and laurel leaves roundel was once located on the south wall portion of the Livestock Pavilions that was removed to connect the National Trade Centre in the mid-1990s. This sculpted stone artifact has been preserved in an exterior wall at the Heritage Court entrance of Exhibition Place2020 – This swine head and laurel leaves roundel was once located on the south wall portion of the Livestock Pavilions that was removed to connect the National Trade Centre in the mid-1990s. This artifact is now located on the exterior of the Heritage Court entrance2023 – The decorative plaques and cow medallion in the wall at the entrance to Heritage Court2023 – The livestock medallions and decorative plaques in the wall at the Heritage Court entrance2023 – The entrance to Heritage Court at the Coliseum Complex2021 – Looking north toward the West Annex at the Coca-Cola Coliseum. The Coliseum complex of buildings began with the construction of the arena and its East and West Annexes in 1921/222022 – Looking south towards the Coca-Cola Coliseum box office, also known as the West Annex at Exhibition Place in Toronto. Notice the sculpture created by Walter Yarwood and commissioned by Coca-Cola Ltd2023 – The West Annex foyer at the Coca-Cola Coliseum2023 – Looking northeast towards the West Annex at Coca-Cola Coliseum and the entrance to Heritage Court 2022 – Looking northeast towards the Coliseum Complex and Heritage Court at Exhibition Place in Toronto2022 – Looking east towards the north side of Coca-Cola Coliseum, home of the Toronto Marlies. The building was constructed in 1921/22 to house The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Notice the CN Tower in the background2021 – The north entrance of Coca-Cola Coliseum at Exhibition Place. Prior to being renamed the Coca-Cola Coliseum in 2018, it was known as Ricoh Coliseum2021 – Looking southwest towards the north entrance of the Coca-Cola Coliseum at Exhibition Place in Toronto. City architect, George FW Price, designed the massive two-storey, yellow brick building2022 – Looking west towards the north side of Coca-Cola Coliseum at Exhibition Place in Toronto. The towers that flank the north entrance are topped with copper domesBetween 1976 and 1987 – Looking towards the south facade of the Cattle Pavilion/Industry Building in Exhibition Place. This stone entrance, cornice and tympanum were removed during the construction of the National Trade Centre, today the Enercare Centre. The entrance has been relocated and is the entrance to Exhibit Halls C and D at the Enercare Centre. The cornice and tympanum are now a bench inside Heritage Court (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds, Series 1465, File 365, Item 9) 2022 – The entrance to Enercare Centre’s Exhibit Halls C and D at 100 Princes’ Blvd at Exhibition Place. This stone entrance was once on the southern portion of the Cattle Pavilion/Industry Building. It was removed and reinstalled at this location during the construction of the National Trade Centre, today’s Enercare Centre2023 – Inside the entrance of Enercare Centre’s Exhibit Halls C and D at 100 Princes’ Blvd at Exhibition Place. This stone entrance was once on the southern portion of the Cattle Pavilion/Industry Building. It was taken down and reinstalled here during the construction of the National Trade Centre, today’s Enercare Centre2022 – The Stone Cornice and Cast Tympanum bench is located near Heritage Court’s west entrance. These pieces once adorned the top of the Cattle Pavilion, also known as the Industry Building. They were part of the south wall that was removed during the construction of the National Trade Centre in the mid-1990sBetween 1984 and 1990 – Looking northwest towards the Cattle Pavilion/Industry Building (in the centre) and the Sheep and Swine Building (on the right) at Exhibition Place. The Coliseum is slightly visible in the background on the left. The stone south entrance of the Cattle Pavilion/Industry Building (behind the streetcar) was relocated to what is known today as the Enercare Centre’s Exhibit Halls C and D entrance at 100 Princes Blvd (City of Toronto Archives, Series 1465, File 416, Item 15)2021 – Looking northwest towards the entrance of Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place in Toronto. The facility is used by the CNE, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and various trade shows2022 – The base of this bench is made from the keystones from the former Sheep Pavilion, which was built in 1927. The bench is located in the east Galleria of the Enercare Centre2023 – One of three ram’s head keystones that form the base of a bench located in the east Galleria of the Enercare Centre. The keystones are from the former Sheep Pavilion2022 – The Coliseum cornerstone reads:
“This building was erected by the corporation of the City of Toronto The corner stone was laid July 27th, 1921, by his Worship Mayor Church and the arena was formally opened by him on December 16th, 1921.”
The plaque is located on the exterior wall of the Coliseum, south entrance, west of the Heritage Court entrance2022 – The plaque reads:
“In honour of one hundred & thirty nine thousand seven hundred & fifty two members of the Royal Canadian Air Force who passed through Number 1 Manning Depot R.C.A.F. during the war 1939-1945.”
Erected by the officers
The plaque is located on the wall at the entrance to the lobby of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair offices 2022 – The heritage plaque reads:
Coliseum Complex, Exhibition Place G.F.W. Price, City Architect
“The Coliseum, erected to showcase The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and the agricultural programs of the Canadian National Exhibition, opened in 1921. With additions made in 1926, the complex ranked as the largest exhibition space under one roof in the world. Its towers and classical detailing complemented the Beaux Arts buildings at the west end of the exhibition grounds. During the Second World War, the Coliseum served as a recruitment centre, known as Manning Depot Number One, for the Royal Canadian Air Force. It has hosted a wide range of entertainment and sporting events and has served as a showplace for livestock and other farm products. Today, the Coliseum is part of the Metropolitan Toronto’s National Trade Centre, the largest trade and consumer facility in Canada.”
Unveiled by HRH Prince Philip, K.G., K.T., The Duke of Edinburgh, November 5, 1996
Toronto Historical Board
The plaque is located on the wall in the lobby outside the main-floor entrance to The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair offices2022 – Advertising in the Farm and Dairy magazine for the first Royal Winter Fair from November 22 to 29, 1922, at the “Royal” Coliseum Toronto (Courtesy of Diane Fraser)2022 – Hung in the main hall at Coca-Cola Coliseum are the Eureka Refrigerator doors from the refrigeration system that was in the Coliseum2023 – The Toronto Marlies Hockey Club display at the Coca-Cola Coliseum from left to right: Justin Holl, Morgan Rielly, Bob Baun, George Armstong, Ron Ellis, Bob Nevin, William Nylander, Timothy Liljegrem and Pierre Engvall2023 – Home of the Toronto Marlies sign inside the Coca-Cola Coliseum2023 – Old red seats on display near the Toronto Marlies ticket office inside the Coca-Cola Coliseum. Based on archival photos, they are likely Coliseum seats dating from the 1950s to before the 2003 renovation2023 – Old blue benches on display near the first-floor stairwell on the north side of the Coca-Cola Coliseum. Based on archival photos, they are likely Coliseum seats dating from the 1950s to before the 2003 renovation1914 – The previous Live Stock Building was designed by architect George W Gouinlock and completed in 1905 (CNE Archives)
