Hamilton welcomes Paul McCartney back to newly renovated TD Coliseum

Thousands of fans poured out of TD Coliseum Friday night, still buzzing after welcoming McCartney back to Hamilton.

The stop in Hamilton was one of only three Canadian dates on McCartney’s “Got Back” tour — which kicked off in the U.S. in 2022.

“The fact of the matter is that he’s over 80 years old, so he’s gonna pick and choose his spot,” said Eric Alper, music industry expert.

At 83 years old, the former Beatle showed no signs of slowing down — playing what experts call one of the longest sets of greatest hits any artist has ever performed.

For many, the night felt historic. The last time McCartney played the venue — then known as FirstOntario Centre — was back in 2016.

And his return also marked an important first – the grand reopening of the arena after an 18-month renovation.

“We built this building — $300-million investment in downtown Hamilton to bring world class entertainment like this. And seeing everybody here getting ready for the show is, again, everything we dreamed of,” said Nick DeLuco, Oak View Group Senior Vice President and General Manager of the TD Coliseum.

Industry experts say McCartney’s stop is more than just a concert – it’s a boost for the city.

“What that tells every single artist on the planet and their booking agents and their managers and their record labels — that if Paul McCartney can play this place in Hamilton, then maybe we should as well,” said Alper.

McCartney’s giant opening kicker, Alper says, sends a loud and clear message.

“Hamilton is open for business. And that this is a viable place, not only to play, but to use our hotels, to eat at the restaurants, to use the parking and to spend money in the city of Hamilton,” said Alper.

Outside TD Coliseum, fans lingered — hoping for one last moment with the legend. And McCartney delivered, waving goodbye from his tour bus as it pulled out of Hamilton.