Bell Centre
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| Bell Centre | |
|---|---|
| Name | Bell Centre |
| Location | 1909 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Coordinates | 45, 29, 46, N... |
| Broke ground | June 22, 1993 |
| Opened | March 16, 1996 |
| Owner | Molson family |
| Operator | Evenko |
| Construction cost | C$270 million |
| Architect | LeMoyne Lapointe Magne |
| Structural engineer | NCK Engineering |
| General contractor | PCL Construction |
| Former names | Molson Centre (1996–2002) |
| Seating capacity | Ice hockey: 21,105, Basketball: 22,114, Concerts: 21,273 (end-stage) |
| Tenants | Montreal Canadiens (NHL) (1996–present), Montreal Rocket (QMJHL) (1999–2003) |
Bell Centre. It is the home arena of the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League and has been a central landmark in Montreal since its opening in 1996. With a capacity of over 21,000 for hockey, it is the largest arena in the NHL by seating and is renowned for its electric atmosphere during games. The venue hosts a wide array of major events, from concerts by global superstars to prestigious sporting competitions, solidifying its status as a premier entertainment destination in Canada.
History
The arena was constructed to replace the historic Montreal Forum, which had been the home of the Montreal Canadiens since 1924. Groundbreaking occurred on June 22, 1993, on land acquired from Canadian National Railway, with the project led by the Molson family, then owners of the hockey club. Originally named the Molson Centre, it opened on March 16, 1996, with a game between the Canadiens and the New York Rangers. In 2002, following a major naming rights agreement, the building was renamed for telecommunications giant Bell Canada. The construction was managed by PCL Construction and designed by the architectural firm LeMoyne Lapointe Magne.
Architecture and facilities
The exterior features a distinctive curved glass facade and a prominent red Molson Export sign, a nod to the team's brewing heritage. Its interior is designed to maximize sightlines and fan experience, with multiple concourses and club levels. Key facilities include the extensive Canadiens Hall of Fame, numerous luxury suites, and a large scoreboard and video system. The arena complex is integrated with Place Bonaventure and connected to Montreal's underground city, providing direct access to the Bonaventure Metro station and the Central Station rail terminal.
Events
Beyond NHL games, the venue is a hub for major concerts, having hosted artists such as The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Céline Dion, and U2. It has been the site of numerous significant sporting events, including the NHL All-Star Game in 2009, the IIHF World Junior Championship, and the NBA preseason games. The arena also stages family shows, major award ceremonies like the Juno Awards, and political events, including rallies during the 1995 Quebec referendum and speeches by figures like Nelson Mandela.
Tenants
The primary and original tenant is the Montreal Canadiens, who moved from the Montreal Forum in 1996. The arena also served as the home for the Montreal Rocket of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League from 1999 to 2003. While no other permanent sports tenants exist, the facility regularly hosts the Montreal Juniors and other teams during special tournaments. The management company Evenko also uses the arena as a base for promoting and producing a vast calendar of live events throughout the year.
Management and operations
The arena is owned by the Molson family through the Club de hockey Canadien and is operated by Evenko, a subsidiary of CH Group. Day-to-day operations encompass event booking, security, concessions, and maintenance, supporting over 150 events annually. A significant naming rights partnership with Bell Canada provides major sponsorship revenue. The venue is a critical economic driver for downtown Montreal, impacting local businesses, hotels like the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, and tourism.
In popular culture
The Bell Centre frequently appears in media, notably in hockey films and documentaries about the Montreal Canadiens. It has been featured in episodes of the television series CTV's *Launch* and in music videos for international artists. The arena's intense atmosphere is famously captured in the HBO documentary series *24/7* leading up to the NHL Winter Classic. Its iconic status makes it a common backdrop for scenes set in Montreal within both Canadian cinema and Hollywood productions.
Category:Indoor arenas in Montreal Category:National Hockey League venues Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1996