Ottawa's Black Bears Are Moving On from the Canadian Tire Centre
Ottawa lacrosse fans got some surprising news this week: the Ottawa Black Bears will not be returning to the Canadian Tire Centre for the 2026-27 season. Ticket holders have been informed of the move, though the team has yet to announce a new home arena.
The Canadian Tire Centre, located in Kanata, has served as the Black Bears' home since the team joined the Professional Lacrosse League (PLL). The arena is best known as the home of the Ottawa Senators, making it one of the largest and most prominent sports venues in the National Capital Region. Sharing that space gave the Black Bears a high-profile stage — but that arrangement is now coming to an end.
What This Means for Fans
For ticket holders, the news creates immediate uncertainty. Season ticket holders and fans who had already purchased tickets for upcoming games are now in limbo as they await word on where the team will be playing. The Black Bears have not yet publicly confirmed an alternative venue, leaving many fans with unanswered questions about refunds, transfers, or future ticket packages.
Lacrosse has been growing steadily in Ottawa, and the Black Bears have helped bring professional-level box and field lacrosse to a city with a rich minor lacrosse tradition. A venue change — especially away from a major arena — could affect attendance and the overall fan experience, though it might also open the door to a more intimate, community-centred setting.
A City with Deep Lacrosse Roots
Ottawa has long been a hotbed for lacrosse at the youth and amateur levels, and the Black Bears' PLL franchise has added a professional dimension to that culture. The team's presence in the city has helped expose a new generation of fans to the sport, and their games at the Canadian Tire Centre drew a mix of dedicated lacrosse supporters and curious first-timers.
Whether the move signals a downsizing, a relocation within the city, or a partnership with a smaller community venue remains to be seen. Some fans have speculated that the team could find a new home at a venue like TD Place at Lansdowne Park, or potentially a facility in the east end of the city — but nothing has been confirmed.
What Happens Next
The Black Bears and team management have not yet released a full statement detailing the reasons for the departure or the timeline for announcing a new venue. CBC Ottawa, which broke the story, reports that ticket holders have been directly notified, suggesting the team is managing the transition proactively rather than leaving fans to find out through media coverage alone.
Ottawa lacrosse fans are encouraged to stay tuned to the team's official channels for updates on the new venue and what options will be available for existing ticket holders.
Source: CBC Ottawa
