Bell Centre, known in French as Centre Bell, is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in the heart of downtown Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Opened on March 16, 1996, it serves as the primary home of the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL) and stands as the largest indoor arena in Canada, with a seating capacity of 20,962 for hockey — placing it among the biggest ice hockey arenas in the world.
Originally called the Molson Centre when it opened, the venue was renamed Bell Centre in 2002 following a naming rights agreement with Canadian telecommunications giant Bell Canada. Built at a cost of approximately $270 million CAD, the arena replaced the storied Montreal Forum and quickly became one of the busiest and most celebrated sports and entertainment venues in North America, hosting landmark NHL events, globally renowned concert tours, and international competitions.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: 1909 Canadiens-de-Montréal Avenue, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Opened: March 16, 1996
- Primary Tenant: Montreal Canadiens (NHL)
- Capacity (Hockey): 20,962
- Capacity (Concerts): Around 15,000
- Construction Cost: $270 million CAD
- Original Name: Molson Centre (renamed Bell Centre in 2002)
- Notable Distinction: Largest indoor arena in Canada
A Home Fit for the Habs
Bell Centre was built to give the Montreal Canadiens — one of the NHL’s most storied franchises — a modern arena worthy of their legacy. With a hockey capacity of 20,962, it has consistently ranked among the top-attended venues across the entire NHL, with sellout crowds a near-nightly occurrence. The Canadiens played their first game there on opening night, March 16, 1996, trading the hallowed boards of the Montreal Forum for a state-of-the-art facility better equipped to meet the demands of a new era.
One of Bell Centre’s most distinctive touches is a classic siren that signals the end of each period, inherited from the old Montreal Forum rather than the air horn used in most NHL arenas. That auditory tradition — shared in the league only with TD Garden in Boston — gives the building a character that resonates strongly with generations of Canadiens fans.
Major Events and Entertainment Legacy
Beyond hockey, Bell Centre has established itself as one of North America’s premier entertainment destinations. It hosted the 2009 NHL All-Star Game and served as the site for the 2009 and 2022 NHL Entry Drafts. In February 2025, it was one of two host venues for the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off alongside TD Garden in Boston. In April 2024, a Montreal Victoire game under the PWHL banner drew a crowd of 21,105, setting a world attendance record for a women’s hockey game.
The arena regularly hosts globally renowned music artists and has anchored countless major concert tours with a concert capacity of around 15,000. Its central downtown Montreal location and consistent sellout performances have cemented Bell Centre as a cultural and sporting anchor for the city.
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Bell Centre FAQs
What teams play at Bell Centre?
Bell Centre is primarily home to the Montreal Canadiens of the NHL. Since 2024, it has also hosted the Montreal Victoire of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL).
What is the seating capacity of Bell Centre?
Bell Centre seats 20,962 fans for hockey, making it the largest indoor arena in Canada. For concerts, the layout accommodates around 15,000. A 2024 PWHL game drew 21,105, a world record for a women’s hockey game.
When did Bell Centre open, and what was it originally called?
Bell Centre opened on March 16, 1996, under the name Molson Centre. It was renamed Bell Centre in 2002 following a naming rights deal with Bell Canada.
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Photo: Alexcaban / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.