Community invited to two‑hour celebration at historic venue
The Kitchener Memorial Auditorium is inviting residents back inside to celebrate a three‑quarter century of gatherings, sport and performance. The facility will host a free open house on Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., offering self‑guided tours, a chance to see the Memorial Cup and family‑friendly activities aimed at showcasing parts of the building usually closed to the public.
Organisers say the event is intended both for long‑time patrons who have memories tied to the arena and for newcomers who want to see why the building has been a regional focal point since it opened. Admission is free and no advance registration is required.
What to expect at the open house
- Self‑guided tour with a passport card to track stops around the building;
- Photo opportunity with the Memorial Cup, recently won by the Kitchener Rangers;
- Complimentary popcorn and a free community skate;
- Access to select areas not normally open to the public.
Organisers will hand out a passport to guests as they enter. Visitors who complete the passport by checking off each designated stop will be able to meet and take photos with the Memorial Cup, the trophy awarded to the Canadian Hockey League champion. The Rangers celebrated their third Memorial Cup victory on May 31, and the trophy will be on display inside The Aud for the open house.
“The Aud has been bringing people together for 75 years, and this open house is an opportunity for residents to celebrate that legacy while experiencing the facility in a new way,” said Ally Samms, manager of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium.
Earlier this year the city’s mayor reflected on the building’s role in local life, noting that The Aud’s importance goes beyond events to the memories it has created for families, fans and visitors — a symbol of shared history in Kitchener.
Schedule highlights
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:00 p.m. | Doors open — passport distribution and start of self‑guided tour |
| 5:00–8:00 p.m. | Tour stops, popcorn, behind‑the‑scenes access |
| Evening (throughout) | Free community skate and Memorial Cup photo opportunities |
The Aud has served as a venue for hockey, concerts, community events and more since its opening. For residents, the open house will be a rare opportunity to explore restricted sections and to connect those physical spaces with decades of memories — from junior hockey triumphs to concerts and civic ceremonies.
City staff and arena personnel will be on hand during the event to guide guests and provide historical context about the building. Visitors should expect typical arena entry procedures and are asked to follow any direction from staff to ensure a safe, orderly experience for all.
For Kitchener residents, the 75th anniversary event is both a commemoration and an invitation to continue engaging with a public asset that has long bridged neighbourhoods across the region. Whether you grew up attending games at The Aud or are curious about its place in local history, the Sept. 9 open house offers a hands‑on way to mark the milestone.
