Montreal Canadiens Arena

The Montreal Canadiens, also known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. They play in the NHL's Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference and have called the Bell Centre their home since 1996. Founded in 1909, the Canadiens are the oldest continuously operating professional hockey team and one of the "Original Six" teams that made up the NHL from 1942 to 1967.

The Canadiens hold the record for the most Stanley Cup wins, with 24 championships in total. They were the last Canadian team to win the Stanley Cup in 1993. Their history and success make them one of the most iconic franchises in North American sports.

What is the name of the Montreal Canadiens Arena?

The Montreal Canadiens play their home games at the Bell Centre in downtown Montreal. Opened in 1996 and originally known as the Molson Centre, the arena has a seating capacity of over 21,000 for hockey games, making it one of the largest hockey arenas in the world. It is also a popular venue for concerts, entertainment events, and business gatherings.

The Bell Centre is owned by the Molson family through the team's ownership group, Groupe CH, and managed by Evenko, a subsidiary of Groupe CH. Its central location and modern facilities make it a hub for sports and entertainment in Montreal.

Montreal Canadiens Arena History/Montreal Canadiens Arena Construction and Cost

The construction of the Bell Centre, home to the Montreal Canadiens, began on June 22, 1993, shortly after the Canadiens won their 24th Stanley Cup. It was initially named after Molson, Inc., the brewery that owned the team. The arena’s name changed to Bell Centre on September 1, 2002, when Bell Canada acquired naming rights. Completed in 1996 for $270 million, the arena holds 21,302 fans and covers 3.87 acres, making it the largest hockey arena in the world. It also hosts over 1 million visitors annually for various events, including sports and entertainment.

In 2015, the Bell Centre underwent a $100 million renovation, which included new seating, updated hallways, restaurants, public Wi-Fi, and the transformation of Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal into a pedestrian-only street. The arena was designed by a consortium of firms and features steeply sloped grandstands for optimal sightlines.

Where is the Bell Centre?

The Bell Centre is located in downtown Montreal, in the borough of Ville-Marie, at the intersection of Canadiens-de-Montréal Avenue and de la Montagne Street. It is adjacent to the Lucien L'Allier commuter rail terminal and directly across the street from the 1250 René-Lévesque skyscraper. The arena is easily accessible via public transportation, with connections to the Lucien-L'Allier and Bonaventure Metro stations. It is also linked to Montreal's underground city and Central Station, making it convenient for visitors.

Montreal Canadiens Arena Capacity

The Bell Centre, home of the Montreal Canadiens, has a seating capacity of 21,105 for hockey games, making it the second-largest hockey arena in the world. The arena covers an area of 1.568 hectares (3.87 acres) and includes six restaurants.

In addition to hockey, the Bell Centre can accommodate various events with different seating capacities, such as 22,114 for basketball and 19,200 for concerts. It can also host amphitheater-style events for 10,000 to 14,000 people, theater productions for 5,000 to 9,000 attendees, and hemicycle seating for 2,000 to 4,000 guests.

What is the parking cost at Montreal Canadiens Arena?

At the Bell Centre, parking is available to the public during specific hours. On days without events, the parking garage operates from Monday to Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a fixed daily rate of $20. On event nights, parking is available starting at noon, with prices ranging from $20 to $45, depending on the event. Only credit and debit cards are accepted for payment.

Montreal Canadiens Arena Notable Events

The Bell Centre has hosted a variety of notable events throughout its history. It held its first NBA game on October 22, 2010, featuring five preseason games. In addition to hockey, the Bell Centre hosted the finals of the 1996 World Cup of Hockey, where the USA defeated Canada 2-1 in both games.

The Bell Centre has regularly welcomed World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) events, most notably the infamous Survivor Series in 1997, along with "No Way Out" in 2003 and "Breaking Point" in 2009. The arena also featured two pool games during the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Furthermore, it was the site of the first UFC event in Canada, UFC 83, in April 2008, and hosted several other UFC events. Additionally, the Bell Centre was the venue for the 2009 NHL All-Star Game.