There are places in life that feel like bookmarks, holding the pages of who we were, who we are, and who we hope to become. For me, the newly reopened TD Coliseum in Hamilton is one of those places. Walking back into that building was not just another work day or another event. It felt like stepping into a cherished memory and watching it light up with new life.
I was born in Hamilton, and like so many kids who grew up in this city, Copps Coliseum was one of the great landmarks of my childhood. It was the place where magic felt possible. I remember the bright lights, the buzz in the air, and the way the whole arena could make you feel both tiny and ten feet tall at the same time. Whether it was a concert, a school outing, or a night my family saved up for, there was always something special about walking through those doors.
Fast forward to today, and I found myself returning for something completely unexpected. Comeback Snacks is now a vendor inside the arena, which means people can enjoy our snacks at any event, whether it is a concert, a game, or a night out with friends. Seeing our brand in the place where I once sat as a kid felt surreal. It was the kind of full circle moment you do not realise you are heading toward until the universe taps you on the shoulder and whispers this is it.
Before the official grand opening, the arena hosted a friends and family event that felt like a joyful reunion for the city. Earth Wind and Fire performed, and they absolutely brought the house down. What a riot. Guests were dancing, cheering, and soaking in every second. You could feel a sense of pride in the room. You could feel how ready Hamilton was for this next chapter.
Then came the official opening, and the energy soared even higher. Paul McCartney stepped onto the stage and delivered what one article called a joyous and personal concert to open Hamiltons TD Coliseum. That description could not have been more accurate. His performance was warm, powerful, and filled with the kind of celebration that only a legend can bring. The whole arena felt alive. People were singing at the top of their lungs, laughing with strangers, and experiencing that rare moment where a city feels connected through pure joy.
Being there for that night meant more to me than I ever expected. Watching the arena transform after its significant updates felt like watching an old friend come back stronger and brighter than ever. One article wrote that the new venue is ready for a new era of entertainment in Hamilton, and that line stayed with me. As I stood inside the arena, I could not help thinking of all the versions of myself that had walked through that building over the years. The kid with dreams bigger than her backpack. The teen trying to figure life out. The young woman making mistakes and learning from them. And now, the person who returned with a company that celebrates second chances and growth.
Seeing Comeback Snacks stocked inside the arena made the moment even more meaningful. It was not just about nostalgia. It was about stepping into a space that shaped me and offering something back to the community that raised me. It felt like a real comeback. The kind that gives you something new while handing you a piece of your past at the same time.
As the night wrapped up and the crowd poured out into the streets buzzing with excitement, I took one last look around. The seats, the lights, the walkways I once ran down as a kid, they shimmered with memories. The building looked different today, but it also looked exactly the same. That is the magic of a comeback moment. It bridges the past and the present in the most unexpected ways.
The TD Coliseum reopening marks a new era for Hamilton. And for me, it marks a moment of reflection, gratitude, and pride for the city that shaped me. I cannot wait for people to enjoy concerts, games, celebrations, and unforgettable nights in this space. And I cannot wait for them to grab a bag of Comeback Snacks while they do it.
Here is to Hamilton. Here is to comebacks of every kind. And here is to the arena that reminded me how powerful it feels to come home.