Eddie Bush Memorial Arena
A historic community arena in Collingwood, Ontario, known for its excellent ice and old-school charm, hosting local hockey and special events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the vibrant community spirit
Eddie Bush Memorial Arena
Best Time
Experience the vibrant community spirit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic community arena in Collingwood, Ontario, known for its excellent ice and old-school charm, hosting local hockey and special events.
"This old small town arena has a rich history and great ice, a true classic."
🎯 Cozy Changerooms
Changerooms are compact, with one shower head per room. Be prepared for a cozy experience! :shower:
🍺 Local Brews Available
Enjoy a game with a local Northwinds beer. A popular choice among attendees! :beer:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ice Surface
Main Rink
Renowned for its excellent quality, this ice is a dream for skaters and players alike.
Historic Atmosphere
Throughout the Arena
Experience the charm of a classic small-town arena with a deep connection to local hockey history.
Local Hockey & Figure Skating
Main Rink
Witness the legacy of local talent that has graced this rink for decades.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Old-School Charm
Event Parking & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Cozy Changerooms
Changerooms are compact, with one shower head per room. Be prepared for a cozy experience! :shower:
🍺 Local Brews Available
Enjoy a game with a local Northwinds beer. A popular choice among attendees! :beer:
🚗 Event Parking Strategy
For big events, check the event website for parking maps and arrive early to secure a spot. :parking:
⛸️ Great Ice Quality
The ice surface is consistently praised for its excellent condition. :ice_skate:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Cozy Changerooms
Changerooms are compact, with one shower head per room. Be prepared for a cozy experience! :shower:
🍺 Local Brews Available
Enjoy a game with a local Northwinds beer. A popular choice among attendees! :beer:
🚗 Event Parking Strategy
For big events, check the event website for parking maps and arrive early to secure a spot. :parking:
⛸️ Great Ice Quality
The ice surface is consistently praised for its excellent condition. :ice_skate:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena for its excellent ice quality and nostalgic, old-school charm, making it a beloved local spot. While the changerooms are noted as being quite compact with limited shower facilities, the overall experience is positive, especially for hockey enthusiasts and during community events.
"Great ice, love the old school rinks. Changerooms are incredibly cozy. Wish they could do something about that. One shower head in a room."
Dan P
"This old small town arena has a rich history. The Collingwood Community Arena officially opened on July 15, 1949. The arena was re-named the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena in the 1980s after Eddie Bush who played hockey in the N.H.L. . I know it's seen it's share of great local hockey and figure skating"
Terry PG
"Well for those of you who have never been to an Elvis Festival....or for those of you wondering what it is like to go to the largest Elvis Festival in the world...here is my adventure. Heading from Toronto, Canada to Collingwood is about a 2 hour trip on the weekend. There are a lot of people heading up north. Thank you to Google for having amazing software to help me navigate the best route with Google maps. I would also like to thank the Town of Collingwood specifically Adam Ferguson for allowing me access to see the events. If you plan on going to any event always look at the event website, just like I did. I found the areas where there is parking and a map of where all the events will take place. When I arrived there is a sea of Elvis fans everywhere. People have there chairs lined up many hours before the festival even began to get the best seats in the house. The outdoor events are mostly free of charge along with tons of vendors booths mostly located on the main street of Hurontario. Walking in the festival any time of the day or night you are bound to walk into an ETA. What is an ETA ? It is an Elvis Tribute Artist who plays homage to the King of Rock n Roll ...Elvis Presley. They are most gracious to say hello, give you a handshake and allow a photo opportunity. I must say that the vendors, ETA's, Elvis fans are very respectful and friendly people. I did even pass by the only female ETA, but I sure there are probably more of them. You can probably find ETA's and fans all around the world. I did meet some ETA's from Canada, USA, UK and Israel. The main contest consists of Friday the preliminary round, Saturday the second round and finally Sunday when they crown the grand champion. The judges must rate the performers not only on there singing ability, outfits, look a like and performance skill to the king...but also to host of very technical aspects. If you sing a Vegas style song like Viva Las Vegas you outfit must match the song, in this case a full white jumpsuit with all the embroidery trimmings. Wearing the wrong outfit for your song choice is a NO NO !! ETA's must not only prepare with there songs and movements but all the accessories that go along with it. Jumpsuits can range from a couple of hundred dollars to $10,000 or more. Wigs, rings and chains can also add up. In competition you are not allowed to wear trademark Elvis sunglasses for example. The calibre of the tributes were in most cases spectacular. You really felt that the king was there right in front of you singing on stage and the king somehow multiplied himself in every corner of the festival. The retail stores and restaurants were packed with anxious patrons. This was the last and final Elvis festival that ran for 25 years by the Town. Next year they will have a private run Elvis festival in Collingwood because the ETA's and fans always want more. So for now my Elvis adventure has ended but what a exciting adventure it was....Elvis has left the building for now.. until next year."
Edward Fine
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Eddie Bush Memorial Arena is located in Collingwood, Ontario. Driving is the most common way to get there, with ample parking available for local games and events. For larger festivals like the Elvis Festival, consider checking the event website for specific parking guidance and potential shuttle services.
While specific public transit routes directly to the arena might be limited, Collingwood does have local bus services. It's advisable to check the Collingwood transit schedule for routes that may get you close to the arena, especially if you are coming from within the town.
Travel time will vary depending on your starting point. From Toronto, it's approximately a 2-hour drive on weekends.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For regular local hockey games or figure skating events, entry is often free or requires a small admission fee. However, for special events like the Elvis Festival, tickets may be required for specific performances or access to certain areas. Always check the event's official website for ticketing information.
The arena's operating hours are typically tied to scheduled events, practices, and ice rentals. It's best to consult the official Eddie Bush Memorial Arena schedule or contact them directly for specific hours of operation on your planned visit date.
For most local events, tickets can likely be purchased at the door. However, for high-demand special events, it's recommended to purchase tickets in advance to guarantee entry and potentially avoid long queues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The arena offers a classic, old-school small-town feel, deeply rooted in local hockey and figure skating history. It's a place where community spirit thrives during local games.
Yes, food and beer are available for purchase. Attendees often recommend trying the local Northwinds beer.
The changerooms are described as 'incredibly cozy,' with one shower head per room. It's a functional but basic setup.
Information on specific accessibility features can vary. It's recommended to contact the arena directly or check their official website for details regarding accessibility for patrons with disabilities.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the historic charm of the arena's interior, the vibrant action on the ice during a game, or the enthusiastic crowds. The old-school architecture provides a great backdrop for nostalgic shots.
Generally, personal photography and videography for non-commercial use are permitted. However, for professional or commercial purposes, you may need to seek permission. Always be mindful of other attendees and event rules.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For birthday parties, the arena can accommodate lively gatherings, as evidenced by a grandson's eighth birthday party held there. Consider checking the schedule for family-friendly local games or events that would be enjoyable for children.
🏒 Hockey Enthusiasts
Beyond the game itself, you can enjoy local food and drinks, including Northwinds beer, adding to the authentic arena experience. It’s a perfect destination for those who love the traditional feel of a community rink.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Legacy in Ice: The History of Eddie Bush Memorial Arena
This historic venue has witnessed countless local rivalries, championship games, and figure skating showcases. Its old-school charm is a significant part of its appeal, offering a nostalgic experience that many visitors cherish. The arena's enduring presence speaks to its importance in the fabric of Collingwood's identity.
Beyond local sports, the arena has also hosted significant community events, such as the renowned Elvis Festival. These events draw large crowds and highlight the arena's versatility as a community hub. The blend of sporting heritage and cultural events makes the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena a unique destination.
Experiencing the Elvis Festival at Eddie Bush Memorial Arena
Attendees can expect a vibrant atmosphere with ETAs performing throughout the day and night. The festival includes preliminary rounds and a grand championship for the tribute artists, judged on singing, outfits, and performance skills. The dedication to authenticity, from the iconic jumpsuits to the precise musical arrangements, is remarkable.
Planning for the Elvis Festival involves arriving early, especially for prime viewing spots for outdoor events. Vendors and restaurants are typically packed, and the community embraces the festive spirit. While the town previously ran the festival for 25 years, its popularity ensures its continuation in some form, highlighting the deep connection between the event and the Collingwood community.
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