CAMBRIDGE, Ont. – The City of Cambridge will officially reopen the newly renovated Preston Memorial Auditorium with a grand opening celebration on Friday, November 14, 2025, marking a major milestone in the city’s investment in local recreation and community spaces. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, family activities, and special appearances by city officials, including Mayor Jan Liggett and City Manager Rob Axiak.
The reopening celebration will take place at 1458 Hamilton Street in Cambridge, beginning with official remarks and a ribbon-cutting at 4:30 p.m., followed by a public celebration at 5:00 p.m. that includes a free public skate, children’s inflatables, and a Cambridge Rivulettes hockey game. Food trucks will be on site, offering snacks and refreshments for purchase.
To ensure inclusivity, the City will also make twenty sensory backpacks available for residents to borrow free of charge during the event, supporting accessibility for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
A Major Community Investment
The reopening of the Preston Memorial Auditorium follows an extensive renovation and expansion project that has modernized one of Cambridge’s most recognizable recreational facilities. The upgrades include improvements to change rooms, the ice resurfacing room, and existing amenities, along with the addition of a new NHL-size ice pad, expanded seating, new changerooms, multipurpose rooms, offices, and washrooms.
Mayor Jan Liggett called the reopening a moment of pride for the community, noting the project’s importance to residents and local sports organizations alike.
“The Preston Memorial Auditorium has been a gathering place for families, athletes, and fans for generations,” said Liggett. “This renovation ensures that it will continue to serve as a hub for recreation, competition, and community connection for years to come.”
City Manager Rob Axiak added that the project aligns with the city’s long-term strategy to maintain high-quality recreational infrastructure. “Investing in community spaces like this is about supporting wellness, inclusivity, and civic pride,” he said. “The new and improved Preston Memorial Auditorium reflects Cambridge’s commitment to providing residents with modern, accessible, and vibrant facilities.”
Provincial Support and Local Partnership
The project received $1 million in funding from the Province of Ontario’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, a program aimed at supporting local municipalities in modernizing public recreation facilities. The remainder of the project was funded through the City of Cambridge’s capital budget and local community support.
“The Province’s investment has played an important role in bringing this project to life,” said Lesley Head, General Manager of Community Services. “Partnerships like these allow us to deliver meaningful upgrades that benefit residents of all ages and abilities.”
In addition to provincial funding, the city’s Play it Forward campaign is inviting residents and local organizations to contribute directly to the revitalization effort through its “Buy a Seat” initiative. Donors can sponsor seating in the new arena, helping sustain and enhance the facility for future generations.
“Community investment has always been at the heart of Cambridge’s success,” said Shane Taylor, Manager of Recreation and Placemaking Capital Projects. “Through Play it Forward, residents can take part in the legacy of this project and support recreation in a very tangible way.”
Honouring a Local Legacy
Originally opened in 1967, the Preston Memorial Auditorium has long been a cornerstone of Cambridge’s community and athletic life, hosting everything from youth hockey leagues to local tournaments and family skating events. The latest renovation not only modernizes the facility but also ensures it continues to meet the needs of a growing and diverse community.
“This project represents both respect for our history and commitment to our future,” said Mayor Liggett. “The Preston Memorial Auditorium has brought our city together for decades, and these upgrades make sure it continues to do so for decades more.”
A Celebration for All
Friday’s event is designed to be a true community celebration. Along with free skating and family-friendly entertainment, the evening will feature live music, local food vendors, and an opportunity for residents to tour the upgraded facilities. Members of the media will have access to city officials and project leaders for interviews following the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Residents are encouraged to attend the event and celebrate the next chapter of one of Cambridge’s most iconic recreational spaces.
For those interested in learning more about the renovation project, sponsorship opportunities, or event details, the City of Cambridge has made additional information available at cambridge.ca/PrestonAud.
With its modern amenities, expanded accessibility, and renewed community focus, the Preston Memorial Auditorium stands as a testament to Cambridge’s ongoing commitment to investing in its people, its places, and its future.
