Kingston’s K-Rock Centre celebrates 10 years

For many, it’s hard to believe that 10 years have passed since the opening of the Rogers K-Rock Centre.

“I remember reading in the newspaper or watching on TV about the latest discussions about where the large venue entertainment centre was going to go,” Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson said. 

Back then the location was criticized by many, due to the lack of parking in downtown Kingston, among other things. But Paterson believes it was built in the right place.

“There’s no question that former Mayor Rosen and the council of the day made the right choice,” Paterson said. “This is a tremendous asset for the city and the downtown.”

“Two-thirds of the people didn’t agree that it should be downtown,” former Kingston mayor Harvey Rosen said.

“About a third wanted it at the 401, and a third wanted it at the Memorial Centre site.”

Attracting top-tier talent to the KRC has never been a problem. The venue has hosted acts such as Elton John, Leonard Cohen, Carlos Santana and the Tragically Hip. The street the centre sits on was named after the Kingston band in 2012.

While the arena has enjoyed a number of successes, it has never been able to live up to its own financial expectations in its first 10 years. However, arena general manager Lynn Carlotto isn’t worried about goals set in place over a decade ago.

“I can’t speak to original expectations,” Carlotto said. “I just know when you look at venues of similar size throughout Canada, you’re really not going to find a financial record that’s as solid as this one — not even close.”

In its first 10 years, the Rogers K-Rock Centre has won many awards, including being named Facility of the Year (under 8,000 capacity) five times in a row at the Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Awards.