Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre

History and Development

The Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre was constructed in 2005 as a direct replacement for the aging Victoria Memorial Arena, which had served the community since 1949. The old arena, colloquially known as the 'Barn on Blanshard' for its distinctive rectangular shape and curved roof, had become outdated. The new facility was developed by Vancouver-based RG Properties Ltd., a company with extensive holdings in commercial and entertainment properties across British Columbia. The arena's inaugural event was a concert by Rod Stewart, where the performer and his band humorously took the stage wearing hardhats and safety vests to acknowledge the building's final stages of completion. The centre occupies the same downtown site as its predecessor, ensuring continuity as Victoria's primary indoor venue.

RG Properties Ltd. has maintained ownership and operational control of the arena since its opening. The company was also the corporate owner of the Victoria Salmon Kings, the ECHL team that was the arena's first major hockey tenant, and currently owns the Victoria Royals WHL franchise. This integrated model of arena ownership and team management has provided stability for professional hockey in the city. The facility's development represented a significant private investment in Victoria's downtown core and its recreational infrastructure.

Design and Facilities

The Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre is a state-of-the-art facility designed with versatility and spectator experience in mind. The arena has a maximum capacity of approximately 7,400 for certain events, though its standard configuration for hockey and concerts is around 7,000 seats. The design prioritizes superior sightlines and world-class acoustics to enhance both sporting events and musical performances. The building features more than 1,000 premium Club and King Club Seats, which offer enhanced amenities and, as of the 2025/2026 season, new in-seat dining service where patrons can order food and drinks for delivery directly to their seats.

Beyond the main bowl, the arena houses 26 luxury suites, a fine dining establishment called the Lion's Den Restaurant, and a dedicated Club lounge. The facility also includes retail spaces, flexible meeting rooms, and office space. Notable tenants sharing the building include Shaw Communications, which operates a television studio on the main floor, and Regroove Solutions Inc., which shares office space with arena and Victoria Royals personnel. The venue's central location places it within a 10 to 15 minute walk of other downtown Victoria landmarks such as Chinatown, the Bay Centre, and Market Square.

Primary Tenants and Hockey

The arena's primary and most consistent use is as the home of major junior ice hockey. It is the home of the Victoria Royals, the 22nd franchise in the Western Hockey League. The team's 2025/2026 season memberships were actively promoted, highlighting the development of young players destined for the National Hockey League. The facility is deeply integrated with the Royals' operations, sharing ownership under RG Properties. Game nights are major community events, with the arena offering various ticket packages including flex memberships that allow fans to choose their games. The arena also opens for public skating on special occasions, a tradition that began with fans skating alongside Salmon Kings players after select games. This connection to community hockey extends to offering skating lessons and drop-in public skates, especially during the closure of other city facilities like Crystal Pool.

Concerts and Major Events

The Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre is Vancouver Island's premier concert venue, attracting a wide range of national and international touring acts. The venue's schedule is consistently packed with major events spanning multiple genres. Upcoming concerts highlighted for 2026 and 2027 include metal band Megadeth with Anthrax and Exodus in February 2026, classic rock legends The Guess Who in August 2026, and pop-punk bands Simple Plan with Marianas Trench and Bowling for Soup in January 2027. The arena also hosts major comedy tours, with scheduled performances by Jim Jefferies in November 2026 and John Mulaney in March 2027.

Beyond music and comedy, the arena stages a diverse array of other events. These include family shows, trade shows, conferences, and sporting events beyond hockey. A notable upcoming special event is the Motorsports Spectacular presented by OK Tire & Toyo Tires in January 2027, featuring monster truck battles and freestyle motocross. The arena also hosts community-focused events like the inaugural Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre Winter Village, a holiday market scheduled for December 5 and 6, 2026, which will feature ice skating, a local makers' market, and a European-inspired food and beverage experience.

• Megadeth with Anthrax and Exodus: Concert scheduled for February 15, 2026.
• The Guess Who: 'Takin' It Back' tour concert scheduled for August 25, 2026.
• Jim Jefferies: 'Son of a Carpenter' comedy tour scheduled for November 8, 2026.
• Winter Village Holiday Market: Community event scheduled for December 5 and 6, 2026.
• Simple Plan with Marianas Trench and Bowling for Soup: 'Bigger Than You Think! Canada Tour' concert scheduled for January 26, 2027.
• Motorsports Spectacular: Family show featuring monster trucks and motocross scheduled for January 16 and 17, 2027.
• John Mulaney: Stand-up comedy show rescheduled for March 5, 2027.

Ticketing and Operations

Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre has its own in-house ticketing company called Select Your Tickets, which is also owned by RG Properties Ltd. Select Your Tickets has been operating inside the building since it opened in 2005. The service also operates in Kelowna, British Columbia. Tickets can be purchased through the Select Your Tickets box office at the arena, or by phone or email. The ticketing company manages policies for event changes, such as the rescheduling of a John Mulaney show to March 2027.

Operational details for renters and event organizers are clearly defined. Groups booking the facility for ice time or dry floor events are required to obtain commercial general liability insurance with a minimum of $5 million in coverage, naming the City of Victoria as an additional insured. The arena is available for a wide range of private and public functions, including business meetings, trade shows, and family celebrations. The venue's management emphasizes creating a memorable experience for all visitors, providing detailed planning resources for those attending events.

• Select Your Tickets: In-house ticketing company owned by RG Properties Ltd.
• Insurance Requirement: Renters must provide $5 million in commercial general liability coverage.
• Box Office Services: Handles sales via phone, email, and in-person at the arena.
• Refund Policy: For the rescheduled John Mulaney show, refunds were available through Select Your Tickets until October 31, 2026.
• Venue Rentals: Available for ice time, dry floor events, meetings, trade shows, and private functions.

Community Role and Economic Impact

The Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre functions as a vital community asset for Victoria and the surrounding region. Its role extends far beyond professional sports and concerts to include numerous public programs and local events. The arena provides public skating sessions, skating lessons, and hosts various community gatherings throughout the year. During the closure of the city's Crystal Pool, the arena's skating programs became an even more crucial public resource. The facility also offers prime, centrally located commercial office space, marketing it as giving businesses the 'home ice advantage.'

As the largest multi-purpose venue on Vancouver Island, the arena has a significant economic impact on downtown Victoria. It draws thousands of visitors to the city centre for events, supporting local restaurants, hotels, and retail businesses. The development and continued operation by RG Properties Ltd. represent a sustained private investment in the city's entertainment infrastructure. By hosting everything from WHL hockey to world-class concerts and local holiday markets, the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre has cemented its place as the heart of Victoria's live entertainment scene.

• Public Skating Programs: Offers drop-in skates and lessons, especially during the Crystal Pool closure.
• Commercial Office Space: Provides centrally located office space for businesses within the arena complex.
• Downtown Proximity: Located within walking distance of Chinatown, Bay Centre, and Market Square.
• Major Tenant: Home to the Victoria Royals, the 22nd franchise in the Western Hockey League.
• Annual Events: Hosts the new Winter Village holiday market starting in December 2026.

Questions about Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre

What kind of concerts and events are held at the arena?

The arena is used for concerts and other special events such as figure skating, curling, plays, trade shows and conferences. It hosts world class concerts and sporting events. It also hosts community events such as the Winter Village holiday market in December. The arena is available for special events, business and trade shows, and family shows throughout the year.

What is the seating capacity of the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre?

The Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre is a state of the art 7,000 seat facility with a maximum seating capacity of 7,400. It replaced the aging Memorial Arena which was constructed in 1949. The current arena was completed in 2005. The seating includes more than 1,000 Club and King Club Seats, as well as 26 luxury suites. This makes it the largest arena in British Columbia outside of Vancouver. The facility offers superior sightlines and world class acoustics for various events.

What hockey team plays at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre?

The arena is currently the home of the Victoria Royals of the Western Hockey League. The Victoria Royals are the 22nd franchise in the Western Hockey League. Previously, the arena was the home arena of the Victoria Salmon Kings of the ECHL. The Victoria Royals are described as featuring some of the WHL's most promising young players. The arena is primarily used for ice hockey and hosts the team's games, with upcoming matches listed against teams like the Kelowna Rockets.

How do I buy tickets for events at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre?

Tickets are sold through the in house ticketing company called Select Your Tickets. Select Your Tickets is owned by RG Properties Ltd. and has been operating inside the building since it opened in 2005. Tickets can be purchased at the Select Your Tickets box office at the arena, or by phone or email. The arena also offers Victoria Royals Flex Memberships which allow you to choose which games to attend and save money. For specific events, such as a rescheduled John Mulaney comedy show, refunds can be requested through this same box office.

Where is the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre located?

Save On Foods Memorial Centre is an indoor arena located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. It occupies the site of the former Victoria Memorial Arena as its successor facility. The arena is situated within 10 to 15 minutes walking distance from other downtown Victoria landmarks such as Chinatown, the Bay Centre shopping centre and Market Square. This central location makes it a premier entertainment facility for the city and Vancouver Island. The building itself also houses a fine dining restaurant, retail space, and office space for various businesses.

Sources and further reading

• Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre (Wikipedia)
• Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre (sofmc.com)
• Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre (venuecoalition.com)
• Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, Victoria (selectyourtickets.com)
• Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre (victoria.ca)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-27.