Bell Centre

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Construction began on June 22, 1993, almost two weeks after the Canadiens won their 24th Stanley Cup. The arena originally reflected Molson, Inc., but the name changed on September 1, 2002, after Bell Canada acquired naming rights. Renovations announced on October 14, 2015, included seat replacement, new restaurants, and a $100 million budget.

In Their Own Story

On December 9, 2014, the arena witnessed a solemn moment of reverence when one seat was left empty for Jean Béliveau during a game against the Vancouver Canucks. With 21,286 fans in attendance, the official count was shortened by one to honor the legend. The building also hosted its first Stanley Cup Final in 2021, where capacity restrictions due to the pandemic limited crowds to 3,500, though thousands gathered outside at La Cage sports bar to watch. A new chapter began on April 20, 2024, when the PWHL's Montreal Victoire played Toronto Sceptres in a sold-out "Duel at the Top" that set a women's hockey attendance record of 21,105. More recently, in February 2025, it served as a primary host for the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off, showcasing international teams in its round-robin stage.

Reader's Guide

Bell Centre is located in downtown Montreal near Canadiens-de-Montréal Avenue and de la Montagne Street. It is connected to Lucien-L'Allier commuter rail, Bonaventure Metro, and the underground city. Seating capacity is 20,962 for hockey, making it the second largest hockey arena in the world. The arena has a three-tier layout with red lower seats, Club Desjardins, and upper 300 section.

Did You Know?

• Bell Centre is the second largest ice hockey arena in the world after SKA Arena in St. Petersburg, Russia.
• It is one of only two NHL arenas that uses an old-style siren to mark the end of periods, inherited from the Montreal Forum.
• Céline Dion has performed the most times at Bell Centre, with 50 performances between 1996 and 2020.
• On April 20, 2024, Bell Centre set a women's hockey attendance record of 21,105 for a PWHL game.

Historical Evolution and Naming Rights

Construction began on June 22, 1993, almost two weeks after the Canadiens defeated the Los Angeles Kings to win their 24th Stanley Cup. The arena officially opened in 1996 as the Molson Centre, named for Molson, Inc., which then owned the team. When the team was sold, Molson elected not to retain naming rights, leading to an official name change on September 1, 2002, after Bell Canada acquired the rights. On October 14, 2015, a $100 million renovation plan was announced to replace all seats, update hallways and concessions, add new restaurants and public Wi-Fi, and convert Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal into a pedestrian-only street.

Architectural Distinctiveness and Seating Layout

Designed by a local consortium with unique features like steeply sloped grandstands, the building covers 1.568 hectares (3.87 acres). The seating is arranged in three tiers: the red-colored lower 100 section, the middle 200 section known as Club Desjardins featuring larger seats and free amenities, and the upper 300 section. The ends of the 300 level are split into the Ford Zone (cheerleaders, flashing lights) and the Family Zone (child-specific pricing). Sections 318, 319, and 320 behind the press gondola have individual scoreboards on the gondola's back. A four-panel video scoreboard was installed before the 2008–09 season, holding the NHL record until 2012, while a newer board with rounded edges arrived in 2024.

Global Entertainment Hub and Concert Legacy

Since opening in 1996, the Bell Centre has hosted major concerts, mixed martial arts, and professional wrestling events. In 2012, it ranked as the fifth-busiest arena globally based on non-sporting ticket sales. Céline Dion holds the record for the most performances at the venue with 50 shows between 1996 and 2020. Her appearances spanned multiple tours including Falling into You (1996–1997), Let's Talk About Love (1998–1999), Taking Chances (2008–2009), Summer Tour 2016, and the Courage World Tour (2019–2020). Her final show before a three-year hiatus occurred on December 31, 1999, marking the end of the Let's Talk About Love World Tour.

Hockey Prestige and Operational Dominance

The Bell Centre hosted the final two games of the 1996 World Cup of Hockey (won by the U.S.) and pool games in 2004. It also served as the host for the 2009 NHL All-Star Game and the 2009 and 2022 NHL Entry Drafts, where Juraj Slafkovský was selected first overall. Home games have been almost consistently sold out since October 2005, with the highest attendance recorded in the 2009–2010 season. The arena hosted its first Stanley Cup Final in 2021 against Tampa Bay under pandemic restrictions. In September and October 2021, pre-season games allowed 7,500 fans before full capacity of 21,105 returned on October 16.