Nova Scotia and generally draw large crowds. Centre 200 hosted the 2008 QMJHL Entry Draft, which was projected to inject over $2 million into the local economy. The arena also hosted game one of the 2008 ADT Canada-Russia Challenge in November 2008. Aside from ice hockey, Centre 200 has also hosted performances by popular acts such as Rush, Metallica, Elton John, The Tragically Hip, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Nickelback, Rita MacNeil, The Rankin Family, World Wrestling Entertainment events, among many others. In March 2009, it was announced that major renovations would occur to the arena, thanks to financial contributions from the Provincial and federal governments, the municipality and $500,000 from the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles. Renovations include a new video scoreboard, 13 luxury boxes and new club seating. It is anticipated that the renovations will increase the building's capacity to over 5,000. In December 2013–January 2014, Centre 200 was one of the host arenas for the 2014 World U-17 Hockey Challenge. Team USA went on to win the tournament 4–0 against Team Pacific. In 2018, the venue hosted concerts by Bryan Adams and Chicago. In February 2019, Centre 200 was host for the 2019 Scotties Tournament of Hearts Canadian national women's curling competition. Naming Centre 200 is named in honour of the two-hundredth anniversary of the founding of Sydney, which took place in 1785. In the original vision, the venue was to have a larger seating capacity and be named "Centre 2000" but funding issues led to a smaller venue than originally proposed. Location Centre 200 is located on George Street, which lies in the heart of Sydney. The arena is connected to a Casino Nova Scotia which was added in 1995, and hosts a Tim Hortons restaurant within its parking lot, generally bringing good business to both venues when Centre 200 hosts an event. However, frequent traffic congestion and shortage of convenient parking spaces has drawn criticism from attendees. References External links Cape Breton Screaming Eagles 1987 establishments in Nova Scotia Buildings and structures in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality Indoor arenas in Nova Scotia Indoor ice hockey venues in Canada Music venues in Nova Scotia Quebec Major Junior Hockey League arenas Sports venues in Nova Scotia Tourist attractions in Cape Breton County Cape Breton Highlanders (basketball)