Quick Answer
Yes, you can bring water into the Canadian Tire Centre as long as it is in a clear plastic bottle no larger than 1 liter (34 oz) in size. Outside food and drinks are permitted within reason to be determined at the discretion of gate security staff.
More Details on Bringing Water into the Canadian Tire Centre
The Canadian Tire Centre, home of the Ottawa Senators NHL hockey team, allows guests to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages in permitted containers and within certain quantity allowances. This convenient policy enables fans to save money on concessions while staying refreshed and hydrated during events.
Water is one of the permitted items that can be carried into the arena. However, there are specific guidelines surrounding acceptable water containers:
Type of Container
Water bottles must be made of clear plastic. This transparency allows venue staff to easily inspect the contents and verify that liquids are in fact just water. Other bottle materials like stainless steel or aluminum are prohibited. Any brand or type of clear plastic water bottle is allowed.
Bottle Size
The maximum size for water bottles brought into the Canadian Tire Centre is 1 liter or 34 ounces. While larger bottles may hold more water for extended hydration, oversized containers pose security and spillage risks in crowded seating areas. Standard 20 oz and 1 liter clear plastic bottles are very common and ideal for meeting the arena’s policy.
Caps and Lids
Water bottle caps and lids are permitted, as long as the bottles themselves meet the other outlined restrictions. There is no requirement to remove or discard lids before entering the venue.
Empty Containers
Guests can also bring in empty reusable clear plastic water bottles up to 1 liter. Once inside the arena, fans can visit any of the venue’s free water filling stations to refill empty containers at no additional cost. This promotes sustainability while keeping attendees refreshed.
Other Beverage Restrictions
While clear plastic water bottles are allowed, other beverage types face limitations. Cans, glass bottles, open beverage containers, and bottles or cans larger than 1 liter are all prohibited for safety reasons. Thermos containers are also restricted.
Are There Any Other Food Policies?
In addition to rules surrounding water, the Canadian Tire Centre maintains policies around other outside food and drinks:
– Reasonable amounts of snacks and foods like chips, cookies, and sandwiches can be brought in.
– Food items must be brought in small, clear plastic bags.
– Alcohol and cannabis products, as well as glass containers, are not permitted.
– Coolers and similar food containers are restricted for safety reasons.
– All items are subject to additional inspection at security checkpoints as needed.
Essentially, guests are welcome to bring their own food to save money but should adhere to common sense quantity allowances. Making sure all food items are properly sealed in clear bags enables efficient security screening upon arena entry.
Are There Exceptions for Medical or Special Needs?
The Canadian Tire Centre aims to provide accommodations for guests with medical conditions or special needs that may necessitate exceptions to the standard water and food policies:
– Individuals who require additional hydration due to medical reasons may be permitted to bring in larger water bottles, at the discretion of arena staff. Proper medical documentation must be presented.
– If a medical condition requires restricted food, outside items may be brought in after thorough inspection at security checkpoints.
– Guests can contact arena management prior to events to discuss potential accommodations if needed.
– Accommodations and exceptions are handled on a case-by-case basis depending on provided medical documentation.
This approach demonstrates that while restrictions are in place to maintain public safety, the Canadian Tire Centre ultimately prioritizes inclusivity, accessibility, and health accommodations whenever possible. Open communication and early engagement with arena staff is recommended for those requiring exemptions.
Why Are Outside Food and Beverage Policies in Place?
Food and drink limitations at many event venues exist for good reason:
Public Safety
Limits on container materials, sizes, and types reduce risks associated with glass breakage, spilled liquids, and heavy containers. Screening and inspecting outside items helps identify restricted or dangerous materials too. This promotes safer environments.
Reduced Cleanup
Allowing reasonable personal snacks reduces garbage from excessive concessions packaging. But large amounts of unfinished outside food and drinks could pose cleanup challenges in seating areas. Reasonable quantity allowances help minimize this.
Revenue Generation
Venues rely heavily on food and beverage sales for income. While allowing guests to bring items helps reduce costs, totally unrestricted policies could significantly impact concession revenues. Limits aim to find balance between the two factors.
How Are Policies Enforced at Security Screenings?
Upon arrival at the Canadian Tire Centre, fans will have bags and prohibited items confiscated at initial security checkpoints outside the arena:
Identification
Security personnel visually identify restricted items such as large bottles, glass containers, coolers, etc. that obviously violate arena policies. These items are not permitted to proceed past checkpoints.
Bag Inspections
Staff may ask guests to open permitted clear plastic bags containing snacks and drinks for physical inspection. Questionable or excessive items can be removed.
Pat-Downs
If prohibited items are suspected but not visible, attendees may be asked to undergo pat-down checks or metal detector screenings. This verifies policy compliance.
Confiscation
Any items that violate arena policies are confiscated by security staff. Guests cannot proceed to enter the venue until such items are discarded in nearby bins or returned to vehicles.
Ejections
Fans who refuse to comply with confiscation or other security screening procedures may be ejected from the premises and denied entry without refunds.
Inside the venue, ushers and event staff also enforce relevant food and drink policies within seating areas if violations occur.
Tips for Families on Keeping Properly Hydrated
Attending exciting sports and entertainment events with kids presents unique hydration challenges. Here are some tips for families to stay refreshed at the Canadian Tire Centre:
Prep Kids in Advance
Explain the venue’s water bottle policies so kids know what they can and cannot bring. Let thirsty kids pick out their favorite water bottle within the 1 liter size limit to get them excited.
Pack Snacks
Bring sealed snacks like raisins, apple slices, and crackers that provide electrolytes, energy, and hydration. This helps kids avoid only filling up on empty sugary or salty treats.
Take Frequent Breaks
Make sure to take kids on occasional concourse walk breaks to refill water bottles at filling stations. This ensures they actually drink water consistently.
Avoid Caffeine/Sugar
Caffeinated or sugary soda and juices can lead to further dehydration when consumed excessively. Stick to water as the primary kid drink.
Watch for Dehydration Signs
Monitor kids for thirst, fatigue, dizziness, and other dehydration indicators. Head to first aid promptly if exhibited. Ensuring proper hydration prevents this.
Planning ahead takes the stress out of keeping kids sufficiently refreshed during the entire event experience. Following the venue policies also enables families to save money by reducing concession purchases.
Water Filling Stations Inside the Arena
The Canadian Tire Centre provides a number of conveniently located water bottle filling stations:
Level | Section(s) |
---|---|
100 Level Concourse | Sections 106, 110, 117 |
200 Level Concourse | Sections 201, 216, 223, 236 |
300 Level Concourse | Sections 304, 323 |
400 Level Concourse | Section 420 |
Filling stations feature motion sensor activated taps to provide a hands-free experience. Some locations are standalone units, while others are integrated into existing sinks. All are clearly identified by branded signage.
Guests are encouraged to take advantage of filling stations all game long to rehydrate regularly. Refilling removes the need to purchase beverages while keeping venue-approved water bottles at the ready when thirst strikes.
Purchasing Water Inside the Arena
For those who cannot or prefer not to bring their own water, bottled water is sold at all Canadian Tire Centre concession stands and portable carts:
Water Format | Typical Price |
---|---|
12 oz Bottle | $3.50 |
20 oz Bottle | $5.50 |
Aquafina Water | $6.00 |
Smaller bottled waters tend to be more affordable, while branded waters command slightly higher prices. Considering a typical family of four may require 2-4 waters each, bulk purchases could become costly over an entire event. Guests are recommended to bring a reusable water bottle from home whenever possible to minimize these expenses.
That said, on-site water purchases offer the convenience of immediate hydration whenever needed. They provide an option for those unable to bring their own water to stay refreshed at events.
Conclusion
The Canadian Tire Centre maintains fair and understandable policies around outside food and beverages that balance public safety with guest convenience. Fans can bring their own water in compliant clear plastic bottles, or opt to purchase bottled water on-site if preferred. By planning ahead and adhering to simple restrictions, families can keep properly hydrated during events in a budget-friendly manner. Understanding and respecting the venue’s rules enables all guests to have an enjoyable experience.