MLSE Live unveils Air Canada Centre ICONS

TORONTO, July 31, 2015 /CNW/ - Toronto's premier entertainment venue unveiled a new program commemorating its rich entertainment history Wednesday afternoon. The program, Air Canada Centre ICONS, honours performers who have helped establish the venue as a global entertainment destination through artist recognition. To publicly recognize these iconic artists and to share this celebration with fans, a permanent Air Canada Centre ICONS fixture has been installed in the Galleria showcasing and honouring the names of those inducted.

"We're excited to officially have a space to commemorate Air Canada Centre's iconic entertainment history," said Wayne Zronik, Vice President of Facilities and Live Entertainment, MLSE.  "When fans walk through our building it's important that we pay tribute to the great performers that have come through the venue and have helped establish Air Canada Centre as the entertainment leader it is today."

Currently, there are four acts that have been inducted into Air Canada Centre ICONS, Bon Jovi (most sold-out shows), Russell Peters (best-selling comedian), The Tragically Hip (inaugural concert at Air Canada Centre concert and 11 sold-out shows) and U2 (most sold-out multi-show runs). As part of the artists induction in to Air Canada Centre ICONS, MLSE Live will donate money to the charity of the artist's choice and Canadian music education charity, MusiCounts.

"Establishing a program to honour these iconic artists further illustrates that the city of Toronto is a true music city," said Riley O'Connor, Chairman of Live Nation Canada. 

Evaluated by an entertainment industry consortium, iconic performers are inducted based on their outstanding achievement and ongoing contribution to Air Canada Centre and Toronto as a global leader in live entertainment. Led by Melissa Bubb-Clarke (Senior Director, Marketing & Partnerships, MLSE Live), the consortium includes Riley O'Connor (Chairman, Live Nation Canada), Scott Henderson (Vice-President, Communications, Bell Media), Allan Reid (CEO and President, CARAS, The Juno Awards and MusiCounts), Julie Adam (Senior Vice President, Rogers Radio) and Tricia Silliphant (Director, MLSE Live).

Since opening its doors in 1999, Air Canada Centre has become a recognized Canadian landmark and is a must stop on the tours of the world's biggest stars. Located in Toronto's core, Air Canada Centre is a pillar of the city's dynamic and diverse arts and entertainment culture and is focused on bringing fans world class talent show after show. For more information about the venue, Air Canada Centre ICONS and upcoming events please visit aircanadacentre.com.

About MLSE Live
MLSE Live is an entertainment brand that brings all of MLSE's live endeavors under one digital roof and provides fans with unparalleled insight into Toronto's most sought-after entertainment events. With three busy venues- Air Canada Centre, BMO Field and Ricoh Coliseum, and a host of marquee events taking place outside of our arenas, MLSE Live gives fans an insider look into Toronto's most coveted events. Follow along with @MLSELive on Twitter and Instagram, /MLSELive on Facebook and MLSELive on Snapchat.

SOURCE Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd.

Media contact: Abby Albino, MLSE, [email protected], 416-815-5455