This year, our strong calendar mix featured major artists and events that attracted a broad range of fans to downtown Halifax. Have a look at some of our favourite moments.
Supporting Sport
“The North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) opening ceremony is a pivotal event for the community: a large-scale celebration within a city, offering Indigenous youth and community members a rare opportunity to see themselves represented and honoured in a major urban setting. This visibility fosters a deep sense of pride and belonging that extends far beyond the host city.”- Serene Porter, Director of Culture & Engagement, 2023 North American Indigenous Games.
This year, Scotiabank Centre hosted the Opening Ceremony of the 2023 North American Indigenous Games, the largest sporting event in Nova Scotia’s history. From July 15 to July 23, over 5,000 Indigenous athletes from more than 756 nations across North America competed in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Millbrook, and Sipekne’katik First Nation throughout Mi'kma'ki, the traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq people. On July 16, each Nation paraded from the Halifax Convention Centre through downtown Halifax to Scotiabank Centre to celebrate the games, with welcomes from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Chief Norman Bernard, dancers, singers, and more.
“Scotiabank Centre was cooperative and considerate when planning for the Opening Ceremony, which had an incredible turnout and a sold-out crowd. The event was well-executed in entry and exit planning, and the Scotiabank Centre team was meticulous in ensuring everything went smoothly.”
- Zane Sylliboy, Communications & Media Coordinator, 2023 North American Indigenous Games.
Scotiabank Centre also welcomed back the 2023 Subway AUS Basketball Championships, with ten of the best collegiate teams in the Atlantic competing for the regional banner. We also saw the return of Stars on Ice, for the final Stars on Ice performance of figure skating legend Kurt Browning, and The Homecoming, a boxing event with Dartmouth’s Olympic heavyweight champion, Custio Clayton, as the main card. We were so proud to support such diverse sporting events that represented communities across the continent, while welcoming new fans to Scotiabank Centre.
A Conversation with Michelle Obama
On October 18, Scotiabank Centre rolled out the presidential carpet for A Conversation with Michelle Obama. To celebrate 75 years of the Nova Scotia Co-Operative Council, the former First Lady of the United States was welcomed by thousands of fans at the banquet-style event, which included 3,000 deserving bright minds sponsored by the Nova Scotia Co-Operative Council’s Diversity Delegation. The evening began with a performance from African Nova Scotian powerhouse singer Reeny Smith. Celebrating her newest book, The Light We Carry, First Lady Obama embraced themes such as hope, optimism, resilience, kindness, and community. She shared that leaders should use unity to build community and create change in the world: “People who are truly strong lift others up. People who are truly powerful bring others together.” It was our honour to host such an inspiring esteemed guest.
A Diverse Calendar for a Growing City!
In 2023-2024, we welcomed some of the biggest performers in worldwide music and entertainment, each with unique audiences and fans of all ages. Our event calendar included a strong mix of artists and performers who represent our diverse and growing city. We welcomed, and welcomed back, major stars including Shania Twain, Chris de Burgh, Kevin Hart, Jimmy Carr, Megadeth, Lil Tjay, The Doobie Brothers, Blue Rodeo, The Glorious Sons, Sam Roberts Band and The Trews, Boney M, City and Colour, and Alan Doyle with guest Adam Baldwin. We also welcomed four family-friendly shows: The Wonderful World of Blippi and Cirque Musica, and two Broadway productions, The Book of Mormon and Come from Away, both with sell-out crowds.
