Heavy Machinery and Home Runs: Ottawa Titans Partner with City for Big Wheels Expo

It is not every day that a snowplow and a sidewalk sweeper take center stage on a professional baseball diamond. But on Sunday, June 7, the turf at Ottawa Stadium will trade home runs for hydraulic lifts as the city hosts the fourth annual Public Works Big Wheels Expo.

For fans of the Ottawa Titans, the event offers more than just a rare look at the massive machinery that keeps Canada’s capital running. It serves as a high-stakes gateway to the stadium’s next big attraction: a ticket giveaway for the Titans’ home game on Tuesday, June 9.

As someone who has covered everything from the NBA Finals to the FIFA World Cup, I have seen how the world’s biggest sports franchises use community outreach to build loyalty. While the scale here is different, the intent is the same. By blending a municipal showcase with professional sports, the City of Ottawa and the Titans are creating a touchpoint for families that extends beyond the box score.

The Main Event: A Fleet Showcase

The Public Works Big Wheels Expo is designed as an interactive experience. Rather than a static display, the event allows attendees to get inside the “mighty machines” of the city’s fleet. The lineup is expected to include garbage trucks, road painting trucks, bucket trucks, and the heavy-duty snowplows essential for Ontario winters.

For the kids—and the adults who are still kids at heart—it is a chance to ask the operators how these vehicles function and learn about the logistics of maintaining a major metropolitan area. For those looking toward the future, the city is using the expo as a recruitment tool, encouraging visitors to explore careers within Public Works.

The event is free and open to the public from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm local time. Given that the Titans are not playing at home over the weekend of June 7, the stadium becomes a community hub rather than a competitive venue, allowing the city to utilize the space for maximum public engagement.

The Titans Ticket Sprint

While the machinery is the draw, the “gold rush” begins at 10:30 am. The City of Ottawa has announced that 100 lucky attendees will receive free tickets to the Ottawa Titans baseball game on Tuesday, June 9.

In the world of minor league and independent baseball, these community partnerships are the lifeblood of the fan base. Giving away tickets at a city-sponsored event ensures a diverse crowd in the stands on Tuesday night, bringing in residents who might not typically follow the season but are drawn in by the excitement of a free outing.

For those planning to attend, arriving early is the only strategy. With only 100 tickets available, the window between the event start and the giveaway is narrow.

Prioritizing Accessibility: The Sensory-Friendly Window

One of the most commendable aspects of this year’s expo is the commitment to inclusivity. The city has implemented a special advance opening at 9:00 am, specifically designed as a sensory-friendly experience.

For guests who struggle with loud noises and large crowds, this 30-minute window is critical. During this time, the city will enforce a strict protocol: no vehicle horns, no sirens, no engine noise, and limited announcements. By reducing the sensory load, the city ensures that the “Big Wheels” experience is accessible to neurodivergent individuals and those with sensory sensitivities.

This move reflects a growing trend in sports and municipal event planning toward “inclusive design,” acknowledging that the roar of a crowd—or the blast of a truck horn—can be a barrier to entry for many families.

Logistics and Venue Access

The event takes place at Ottawa Stadium, located at 300 Coventry Road. For those navigating the city, the venue is accessible via transit through the OC Transpo network.

If you are driving, be aware of the parking policy: spots are available at the stadium for $9. Crucially, the city has noted that cash is not accepted. payments must be made in person via the app or digital methods. Bike parking is available on-site for those opting for a greener commute.

The Bigger Picture: Sports as a Community Anchor

When we analyze the intersection of sports and civic life, we often focus on the economics of stadium deals or player contracts. However, the real value of a team like the Ottawa Titans lies in these smaller, localized activations. When a baseball team’s home turf becomes a classroom for public works or a safe space for sensory-sensitive children, the team stops being just a sports franchise and starts being a community asset.

This synergy between the city’s operational arm and its sports entertainment sector creates a positive feedback loop. The city gets a platform to showcase its infrastructure and career opportunities, and the Titans get a fresh influx of fans into the stadium for their June 9 matchup.

For global readers unfamiliar with the region, Ottawa’s sports culture is deeply intertwined with its bilingual identity and civic pride. Events like the Big Wheels Expo highlight the “small-town feel” that persists even in a federal capital, where the local baseball team and the city’s garbage trucks can share the same spotlight for a Sunday morning.

The next confirmed checkpoint for fans is the game itself on Tuesday, June 9. Whether you snag one of the 100 free tickets or purchase your own, the momentum from the expo should carry over into a lively atmosphere at the ballpark.

Do you think more sports venues should host non-sporting community events like this? Let us know in the comments or share this story with an Ottawa local.