Stratford in Perth County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
William Allman Memorial Arena
This building was opened 1924
Photographed by Tim Boyd, July 18, 2025
1. William Allman Memorial Arena Marker
Inscription.
William Allman Memorial Arena. This building was opened 1924. Originally named the Classic City Arena this facility was officially opened December 15, 1924. It is one of the last remaining "ice palaces" of its type built in North America during the nineteen twenties and thirties and purportedly is the longest continuous operating arena of its kind in the world. During its history the building has figured in the careers of many journeyman and Hall of Fame hockey players in the NHL as well as world champion junior players and coaches and players on Canadian Olympic Hockey Teams. It was also home to the Stratford Aces women's junior hockey team and the Stratford Skating Club both formed in the 1930s. On August 12, 1996 the name was formally changed by City Council to the William Allman Memorial Arena in honour of a respected staff member who for much of his 47 year career with the City of Stratford managed and cared for this special building. On September 14, 2009 City Council passed a by-law to designate the William Allman Memorial Arena. The designation plaque was unveiled on January 30, 2010. The arena is a tribute to all of the people of Stratford who came together to build and ensure the survival of this special place in their history.
Originally named the Classic City Arena this facility was officially opened December 15, 1924. It is one of the last remaining "ice palaces" of its type built in North America during the nineteen twenties and thirties and purportedly is the longest continuous operating arena of its kind in the world.
During its history the building has figured in the careers of many journeyman and Hall of Fame hockey players in the NHL as well as world champion junior players and coaches and players on Canadian Olympic Hockey Teams. It was also home to the Stratford Aces women's junior hockey team and the Stratford Skating Club both formed in the 1930s.
On August 12, 1996 the name was formally changed by City Council to the William Allman Memorial Arena in honour of a respected staff member who for much of his 47 year career with the City of Stratford managed and cared for this special building.
On September 14, 2009 City Council passed a by-law to designate the William Allman Memorial Arena. The designation plaque was unveiled on January 30, 2010.
The arena is a tribute to all of the people of Stratford who came together to build and
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ensure the survival of this special place in their history.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1924.
Location. 43° 22.471′ N, 80° 58.597′ W. Marker is in Stratford, Ontario, in Perth County. It is at the intersection of Lakeside Drive and Morenz Drive, on the right when traveling west on Lakeside Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 55 Lakeside Drive, Stratford ON N5A 4Y2, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Huron-Perth-Waterloo-Wellington Area and in Southwestern Ontario. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Swan Parade (here, next to this marker); Sir John Cunningham McLennan, 1867-1935 (about 120 meters away, measured in a
3. William Allman Memorial Arena marker photos detail (left)
Photographed by Tim Boyd, July 18, 2025
4. William Allman Memorial Arena marker photos detail
Credits. This page was last revised on July 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 98 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 21, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
