Videotron Centre

Videotron Centre
Dave Paige · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Videotron Centre
Native name	Centre Vidéotron
Location	Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Broke ground	2010
Opened	2015
Owner	Quebecor
Operator	Evenko
Capacity	18,000
Architect	Brisbin Brook Beynon, NAC
Construction cost	CAD 400 million

Videotron Centre The arena in Quebec City opened in 2015 as a multipurpose indoor venue serving Quebec City, Québec institutions and cultural organizations. It became a focal point for regional sports franchises, touring productions, and national events, linking municipal authorities such as the Quebec City Council, private firms like Quebecor, and cultural promoters including Evenko and L'Estacade.

History

The venue's genesis involved provincial and municipal negotiations among Quebec Premiers, Jean Charest, Philippe Couillard, and municipal leaders such as Régis Labeaume, intersecting with proposals from media conglomerates like Quebecor and rival bids from entities related to Bell Canada and Rogers Communications. The site selection revived debates tied to heritage districts like Old Quebec and urban plans influenced by designers who referenced precedents such as Madison Square Garden and Bell Centre. During its planning phase, proponents cited events like the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup and legacy ambitions akin to Montreal Canadiens NHL history to justify public investment, while opponents referenced fiscal controversies reminiscent of the Gatineau Light Rail Project and debates over municipal subsidies. Funding discussions involved corporations, municipal bonds comparable to those used in Montreal 1976 Olympics projects, and provincial contributions similar to arrangements in the Calgary Saddledome refurbishment.

Design and Construction

Architectural teams including Brisbin Brook Beynon collaborated with engineering firms that have worked on venues such as Scotiabank Arena and Rogers Arena. Structural design leveraged materials and methods pioneered in projects like LEED-certified stadia and drew on acoustical planning used for concerts at Carnegie Hall and Royal Albert Hall-adjacent retrofits. Construction contractors coordinated logistics comparable to PCL Constructors projects and mitigation plans modeled after transportation integrations seen with Union Station (Toronto). Labour relations during construction echoed provincial workforce dynamics involving unions represented in negotiations similar to those at Hydro-Québec and construction disputes contemporaneous with Gatineau LRT builders. The building process culminated in an inauguration that featured municipal ceremonies attended by figures in provincial politics and entertainment from companies such as Cirque du Soleil.

Facilities and Features

The arena accommodates configurations used by professional teams like Ottawa Senators affiliates and major touring productions by promoters such as Live Nation and Evenko, with seating capacities comparable to Canadian Tire Centre and Scotiabank Saddledome. Technical specifications include an ice surface meeting standards set by National Hockey League and American Hockey League practice rinks used by franchises like Rochester Americans, along with backstage facilities suitable for Broadway tours like The Phantom of the Opera and concert residencies similar to Céline Dion performances. Hospitality suites and corporate boxes attract sponsors akin to Bell and Sun Life Financial, while concession partnerships mirror concessions at venues overseen by operators like Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. Safety, accessibility, and media facilities were developed with guidelines referenced by institutions such as Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety and broadcasters like CBC and TSN.

Events and Tenants

Since opening, the arena has hosted sports events comparable to IIHF World Championship matches, cultural festivals in the vein of Festival d'été de Québec, family shows reminiscent of Disney on Ice, and political gatherings similar to meetings of the Liberal Party of Canada. Tenants and regular users have included minor-professional hockey initiatives, touring exhibitions, and special events promoted by companies like Evenko and Live Nation, occasionally attracting artists such as Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga, Adele, U2, The Rolling Stones, and Metallica. The venue has also been a candidate site for bids involving organizations like NHL expansion discussions and municipal bids for national competitions such as the Canada Games.

Transportation and Access

Access planning integrated multimodal strategies referencing transit systems like Société de transport de Montréal models and commuter rail examples such as Exo (public transit). Vehicle access and parking schemes were devised with reference to municipal plans seen in Toronto and Vancouver arena districts, while pedestrian and bicycle links drew on designs from projects like Quartier des Spectacles in Montreal. Regional airport connectivity was benchmarked against services at Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport and shuttle arrangements similar to practices at Montréal–Trudeau International Airport. Major roadway access parallels corridors such as Autoroute Dufferin-Montmorency and transit integration considered future extensions akin to proposals for Laval and Longueuil networks.

Category:Indoor arenas in Quebec Category:Buildings and structures in Quebec City