Concertgoers are getting their first look inside Ottawa’s newest nightclub before it officially opens later this week. CTV News Ottawa was invited to tour the new History Ottawa on Monday morning. “From a consumer standpoint, you’re expecting a premium, live music experience,” Ali Shafee, regional vice-president of Live Nation Canada, said on Monday. “A brand new facility, state-of-the-art 2,000 capacity live music venue.” Live Nation Canada unveiled plans in February 2025 to open the concert venue in the former Chapters building on Rideau Street. The opening night on Aug. 20 will feature a performance by The Wallflowers. Shafaee said it is a “music first venue,” but it will hold special events, galas and comedy shows. We’ve got a whole lineup of upwards of about 60 shows we’ll see through the end of 2026," Shafaee said. The second floor of the venue is called a “premium space” designed by Drake and his team, where people can purchase a ticket for the area that provides access to the premium lounge and 112 seats. “So, there’s a lot of touch points that went into it that make sure that space is really on brand for History,” Shafaee said. Other confirmed performers include Kaleo on Sept. 9, The Pretty Reckless - Dear God Tour on Sept. 13, UB40 on Sept. 18, Marianas Trench on Oct. 24, TALK on Dec. 4 and Jaime Fine on Dec. 12.
