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Rogers Arena

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Article Genealogy
Parent: Pacific Coliseum Hop 4
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Rogers Arena
NameRogers Arena
Location800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Broke ground1993
OpenedSeptember 21, 1995
OwnerCanucks Sports & Entertainment
OperatorCanucks Sports & Entertainment
SurfaceMulti-surface
Construction costC$160 million
ArchitectBrisbin Brook Beynon Architects
Structural engineerGeiger Engineers
General contractorPCL Construction
Former namesGeneral Motors Place (1995–2010)
Seating capacityIce hockey: 18,910, Basketball: 19,700, Concerts: 19,000
TenantsVancouver Canucks (NHL) (1995–present), Vancouver Grizzlies (NBA) (1995–2001), Vancouver Warriors (NLL) (2014–present), Vancouver Titans (Overwatch League) (2019–2023)

Rogers Arena is a premier multi-purpose indoor arena located in the Downtown Vancouver district of British Columbia, Canada. Opened in 1995, it serves as the home venue for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League and has hosted a wide array of major sporting events, concerts, and entertainment spectacles. The facility is owned and operated by Canucks Sports & Entertainment and is named under a long-term sponsorship agreement with Rogers Communications.

History

The arena's development was spearheaded by Arthur Griffiths, then-owner of the Vancouver Canucks, to provide a modern replacement for the aging Pacific Coliseum. Construction began in 1993, with the project facing significant financial challenges that eventually led to Griffiths selling his stake to John McCaw Jr. of the McCaw Cellular Communications family. It opened on September 21, 1995, as **General Motors Place**, hosting its first event, a preseason game between the Canucks and the New York Rangers. The venue's naming rights were acquired by Rogers Communications in 2010, leading to its current designation. A key moment in its history was serving as the main indoor venue for the 2010 Winter Olympics, hosting ice hockey events where both the Canada men's national ice hockey team and United States men's national ice hockey team competed, culminating in Sidney Crosby's iconic gold-medal winning goal.

Design and features

Designed by Brisbin Brook Beynon Architects with structural engineering by Geiger Engineers, the arena's exterior features a distinctive curved roof and extensive use of glass. Its interior is configured to maximize sightlines, with a seating bowl that brings spectators close to the action. Notable features include 80 luxury suites, the exclusive **Club 500** lounge, and a massive center-hung scoreboard with high-definition video screens. The playing surface can be converted between an NHL-standard ice rink, a NBA basketball court, and a concert stage. Significant renovations were undertaken prior to the 2010 Winter Olympics, including upgrades to dressing rooms, media facilities, and concessions, with further improvements made over subsequent years to enhance the fan experience.

Events

Beyond its primary function as a sports venue, the arena is a cornerstone of Vancouver's entertainment scene. It has hosted countless major concerts by global artists such as The Rolling Stones, U2, Madonna, and Taylor Swift. In sports, it was the site of the 1998 NBA All-Star Game during the tenure of the Vancouver Grizzlies and the 2006 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. It served as a key venue for the 2010 Winter Olympics and the 2010 Winter Paralympics. The arena has also been home to major events like the Davis Cup, WWF/WWE pay-per-views including WrestleMania XIX, and family shows like Disney on Ice.

Tenants

The primary and original tenant is the Vancouver Canucks, who moved from the Pacific Coliseum for the 1995–96 NHL season. From 1995 to 2001, it was also home to the Vancouver Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association before the franchise relocated to Memphis. The arena currently hosts the Vancouver Warriors of the National Lacrosse League and was the home of the Vancouver Titans of the Overwatch League from 2019 to 2023. It also serves as a frequent venue for the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds hockey teams during special events and tournaments.

Management and operations

The arena is owned and operated by Canucks Sports & Entertainment, which is led by chairman Francesco Aquilini. Day-to-day operations, including booking, event management, and maintenance, are handled by the organization's dedicated venue management team. The naming rights are held by Rogers Communications under a long-term agreement. The facility employs hundreds of staff for events and has a significant partnership with Levy Restaurants for food and beverage services. Its operations are integral to the economic activity of the surrounding Downtown Vancouver and False Creek areas.

The arena has featured prominently in numerous films and television productions, often standing in for other major venues. It was used extensively in the sports comedy film *The Love Guru*, starring Mike Myers. Television series filmed there include episodes of *The X-Files* and *Supernatural*. The exterior and interior have also been featured in various music videos and was a key location for broadcast coverage during the 2010 Winter Olympics, seen by a global audience. Its distinctive profile is a recognized part of the Vancouver skyline in media depicting the city.

Category:Indoor arenas in British Columbia Category:Sports venues in Vancouver Category:National Hockey League venues Category:1995 establishments in British Columbia