Walk into any coffee shop in Tecumseh or South Windsor and mention "the arena." People know exactly what you’re talking about. Even though the official name on the side of the building is the WFCU Centre, locals—and just about everyone else in Ontario’s hockey circles—still refer to it by its full namesake: the Windsor Family Credit Union Arena. It’s more than just a place to catch a game. It’s a massive, multi-use hub that basically salvaged the city's reputation for hosting big events after the old Windsor Arena (the "Barn") started falling apart.
Honestly, the transition from the old barn on Wyandotte Street to this sprawling complex on McHugh Street was a culture shock for the city. We went from a cramped, smelling-of-old-popcorn dungeon to a $71-million state-of-the-art facility. It changed how Windsor does sports.
What Makes the WFCU Centre Different?
It isn't just one rink. That's the first thing people realize when they wander in for a tournament. You've got the Main Bowl, where the Windsor Spitfires play, but then there are three additional community rinks: the AM800 Rink, the Greenshield Rink, and the Collavino Rink. It’s a massive footprint. If you’re a parent of a kid in minor hockey, you’ve probably spent more time in those side rinks than in your own living room.
The Main Bowl is the crown jewel. It seats about 6,500 people for hockey. For concerts, they can squeeze in closer to 7,000. It’s got that "bowl" feel that keeps the sound in, making it one of the loudest venues in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
The Technical Specs That Actually Matter
When the facility opened in 2008, people were obsessed with the amenities. We’re talking 31 luxury suites. That sounds standard now, but for a mid-sized city in Southern Ontario back then? It was huge. The seating is steep. That’s a good thing. It means even if you're in the last row of the upper bowl, you feel like you're on top of the play.
The ice surface in the Main Bowl is NHL-sized, 200 feet by 85 feet. But the community rinks aren't just afterthoughts. They have their own dedicated dressing rooms and viewing areas. There’s also a gymnasium, a community center, and a library branch attached to it. It’s basically a city within a city.
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The Windsor Spitfires Connection
You can’t talk about the Windsor Family Credit Union Arena without talking about the Spits. The move to this arena coincided with the greatest era in the team's history. They won back-to-back Memorial Cups in 2009 and 2010 right after moving in. There’s a specific energy in the building during a playoff run that you just don't get anywhere else in the OHL.
The atmosphere is intimate but professional.
Because the Windsor Family Credit Union secured the naming rights early on, the partnership has become synonymous with the team's success. It’s a rare case where a corporate name actually sticks and feels natural to the fans. Usually, people hate corporate rebranding, but because this facility represented such a massive leap forward from the old barn, people embraced it.
Beyond the Ice: Major Events and Concerts
It isn't just a hockey rink. The WFCU Centre has hosted everything from the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) to major musical acts. When the swimming championships came in 2016, they actually built a temporary pool right on top of the arena floor. It was a logistical nightmare that turned into a massive success. It proved the venue could handle world-class international logistics.
- Concerts: We've seen names like Elton John, Neil Young, and Carrie Underwood.
- Family Shows: Disney on Ice is a staple here, usually selling out multiple days.
- Other Sports: The Windsor Express of the Basketball Super League call this place home too.
The venue is versatile. One night it's a mosh pit for a rock band, and 48 hours later, it's a pristine sheet of ice for a Friday night Spits game. The changeover crew at the WFCU are the unsung heroes of the whole operation.
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Why Location Matters (and Where to Park)
The arena is located at 8787 McHugh Street. If you’re coming from out of town, it’s tucked away in the far east end of Windsor. This was a point of contention when it was first built. People loved the downtown location of the old arena. But the east end offered something the downtown didn't: space.
Parking is usually the biggest headache for fans. There are about 2,000 spots on-site. On a sold-out game night? It’s a zoo. Pro tip: if you’re heading there for a big event, show up at least 45 minutes early or look for the park-and-ride shuttles that often run from nearby malls.
The Impact on the Local Economy
The Windsor Family Credit Union Arena didn't just give people a place to watch hockey; it anchored the development of the entire East Riverside area. Before the arena, that patch of land was mostly empty. Now, it’s surrounded by housing developments, retail, and restaurants that thrive on game-day traffic.
Economically, the facility is a driver for sports tourism. When the Memorial Cup was hosted here in 2017, the city saw a massive influx of cash. Hotels were booked solid. Restaurants were packed. It solidified Windsor as a "hockey town" that could handle the pressure of a national spotlight.
Common Misconceptions About the Venue
People often think it's a municipal money pit. While most public arenas require some level of subsidy, the WFCU Centre’s high booking rate for the community rinks helps offset the costs. It’s rarely empty. Between public skating, figure skating clubs, and beer leagues, those rinks are running from 6:00 AM until midnight most days.
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Another myth is that there isn't a bad seat in the house. While the sightlines are excellent, the seats near the corners in the lower bowl can sometimes have slightly obstructed views of the far goal due to the thickness of the glass supports. It’s minor, but if you’re a hockey purist, you want to sit center ice or high up in the ends.
Navigating the Facility
If you’re heading there for the first time, keep these points in mind:
- The Box Office: It’s located at the main gate (Gate 2). You can buy tickets online, but the physical box office is still the best place to avoid some of those annoying "convenience fees" if you're local.
- Food and Drink: The concessions are standard arena fare—hot dogs, burgers, fries. But the Crown Royal Lounge offers a slightly more "upscale" experience if you want to sit down and eat.
- The Fan Zone: There’s a retail store for Spitfires gear inside the main concourse. It’s usually packed during intermissions, so try to go during the period if you really need that jersey.
What’s Next for the WFCU?
The building is over 15 years old now. In arena years, that’s middle-aged. We’re starting to see small upgrades—new LED lighting, scoreboard refreshes, and improved Wi-Fi. The city continues to bid for major events, and the Windsor Family Credit Union remains a key partner in keeping the facility relevant.
The real test will be how it adapts to the changing landscape of sports entertainment. With more people wanting "experiences" rather than just a seat, expect to see more social spaces and better tech integration in the coming seasons.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Schedule Early: The WFCU Centre website stays updated with community rink schedules. If you’re looking for public skating, check the "Drop-in" sections.
- Join the WFCU Credit Union: Often, members of the credit union get early access to ticket pre-sales or special promotions for events held at the arena.
- Plan Your Entry: Gate 2 is the busiest. If you have your tickets on your phone, check if Gate 4 is open for your specific event; it’s often much faster.
- Explore the Library: If you have kids who aren't into the game, the WFCU branch of the Windsor Public Library is right there. It’s a great way to kill time during a sibling's long hockey practice.
- Check Traffic Reports: McHugh Street can become a bottleneck. If a game is ending at the same time a shift changes at a nearby factory, you’ll want to take the back way out through Lauzon Line.
The Windsor Family Credit Union Arena remains the heartbeat of the city’s sports scene. Whether you call it the WFCU, the Centre, or the Credit Union Arena, it's the place where Windsor comes together. The building is solid, the history is already rich, and the future of Windsor's entertainment runs right through its front doors.