Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto will soon open its doors alongside a new 5,000-seat event centre, but the mayor of Niagara Falls is alarmed about what negative impact on the Falls’ two casinos. Jim Diodati is worried that the new flashy billion-dollar casino resort will affect the recently revamped and expanded OLG Stage at Fallsview at Fallsview Casino Resort.
In addition to that, Great Canadian Entertainment, the operator of the new casino, recently announced that it has struck a partnership agreement with Live Nation Canada. Via the collaboration, the two parties will bring dozens of world-class artists to the operator’s venue across Canada, including the one in Toronto that will open this summer.
Seeking New Markets
After the announcement of the agreement, Mr. Diodati said that imitation was the greatest form of flattery. He explained the operator has noticed the impact of the Niagara Falls theatre. However, he admitted that the city was aware that the expansion of Casino Woodbine would feature an event venue, and that is why it was important to develop new markets and create new offerings.
He shared that local officials have already talked with the province in the last several years to reinvest in Niagara Falls. The mayor noted that the new casino will have a huge effect on the two casinos and the other gaming facilities in southern Ontario. Now, the city must be proactive, continue innovation and attract more people to the region.
Richard Taylor, president of Niagara Casinos, expressed optimism for the future of entertainment in Niagara due to increased competition and recent successes. The OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino was recognized as the top venue in Canada. Mr. Taylor also highlighted the world-renowned experience of Mohegan and the regular announcement of world-class entertainment at the Avalon Theatre and the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino.
Furthermore, he commented that the newly announced partnership between Great Canadian Entertainment and Live Nation Canada will undoubtedly have a negative impact on OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino. He remarked that the new Toronto casino will be much more convenient for many people, but said the Niagara Falls properties will always be iconic resort destinations.
Mr. Diodati believes that when people come to his city, they come for the whole experience, such as sightseeing, wineries, restaurants, attractions, and gaming. Meanwhile, he said that in Toronto, the location would be convenient since the casino would be closer to millions of people, hence the property will have an advantage over the Niagara Falls casinos.
Grand Opening
After several delays, OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino launched in February this year. The show at the 5,000-seat venue kicked off with a show from the legendary singer Billy Joel. Back then, Mr. Taylor commented that Mr. Joel’s performance and the opening of the event centre will only enhance the entertainment levels in Niagara Falls.
Source: Spiteri, Ray “Casino Woodbine’s new 5,000-seat concert venue will ‘absolutely’ have negative impact on OLG Stage at Fallsview: Diodati” Niagara Falls Review, June 9, 2023
