Located on the concourse level are four main concessions, as well as the Molson Canadian Hockey House restaurant, multiple beer stands, and a coffee vendor.

The Gardens includes a $500,000 scoreboard with an installed video component with live broadcast (up to five cameras), replay and T.V.

The sidewalk in front of the GFL Memorial Garden's north end (facing Queen Street) features the Sault Ste Marie Walk of Fame, a series of markers honouring those from the Sault Ste Marie area who have made significant contributions to the community or their chosen field of work.

Naming rights to the new building were purchased by Steelback Brewery of Tiverton for $1.35 million over ten years.

Ward 1 Councillor James Caicco was quoted in the January 17, 2008, Sault Star as saying, "nothing can be done until the court creditors protection process with Steelback Brewery is completed.

If it declares bankruptcy, options will be presented to city council that include searching for a new naming rights sponsor."

[5] On October 11, 2006, Ontario Hockey League commissioner David Branch announced that the 2008 OHL All-Star Classic had been awarded to the Greyhounds and the City of Sault Ste.

[6][7] The game was played at the Steelback Centre on February 6, 2008, with the Eastern Conference squad defeating the West in a shootout, 8–7.

[8] The Essar Centre hosted the 2010 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, Canada's women's curling championships.

The Centre hosted the torch as it made its way across Canada and the world on its way to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.

The GFL Memorial Gardens has played host to a number of popular musical acts including Jerry Seinfeld, Sir Elton John, KISS, Mötley Crüe, Rush, John Mellencamp, Neil Young in '09, Tom Cochrane & Red Rider, Hilary Duff, Three Days Grace in '08, Seether, Gordon Lightfoot with Stompin' Tom Conners in '09, Blue Rodeo, Hedley in '10, Billy Talent with Alexisonfire in '10, Against Me!, The Cancer Bats, The Used, Default, Jackyl, Slaughter, The Backstreet Boys, Girlicious, Blue Man Group, Charley Pride, Bryan Adams in '09, Sheryl Crow, Anne Murray, INXS, The Tragically Hip in '07, Barenaked Ladies in '07, Down, Heaven & Hell, Megadeth, Jeff Dunham, The Wiggles, Bachman-Cummings in '07, and Heart in '14.