Bell Centre (Centre Bell) is the downtown Montreal arena that has been home to the Montreal Canadiens since 1996 — the loudest, most tradition-soaked building in the NHL, and the largest indoor arena in Canada.
This guide goes beyond the basics: exactly where the arena sits and how to reach it, how the seating bowl is laid out, what you can (and can’t) bring inside, parking options, and the history and records that make Bell Centre one of hockey’s must-see venues.
Quick Answer
Bell Centre is located at 1909 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal in downtown Montreal, directly above Lucien-L’Allier Metro station. It opened March 16, 1996, seats 20,962 for Montreal Canadiens hockey games (the largest hockey-configured arena in Canada, second-largest in the world), and holds around 15,000 for concerts. It enforces a clear-bag policy, has on-site paid parking, and is reachable in one minute on foot from the Metro.
Where Is Bell Centre & How to Get There
Bell Centre sits in downtown Montreal at 1909 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, right beside the Montreal Forum’s former site and a short walk from Rue Sainte-Catherine’s shops and restaurants. Its downtown position — unlike many suburban NHL arenas — is one of the reasons it’s so easy to combine a game or concert with a night out in the city.
The single best way in is the Metro: Lucien-L’Allier station (Orange Line) connects directly to the arena via an underground walkway, about a one-minute walk from the platform. Bonaventure station, also on the Orange Line, is roughly an eight-minute walk and offers another underground-connected option in bad weather. Gare Centrale (Montreal’s main train station) and the Lucien-L’Allier commuter rail station are both within a seven-minute walk, making the arena an easy stop for visitors arriving by VIA Rail or exo commuter trains. Several city bus routes also stop within a block or two of the building.
Driving in is possible but downtown traffic and event-night congestion around Rue de la Montagne and Boulevard René-Lévesque are heavy before Canadiens games and major concerts — budget extra time or use the Metro instead.
Parking at Bell Centre
Bell Centre has its own attached parking garage, with a dedicated parking entrance on Rue Saint-Antoine Ouest near the arena. Daytime, non-event parking is inexpensive; on event nights (weeknight games, weekend concerts) rates rise and the garage fills quickly, so arriving well before puck drop or showtime is recommended.
Beyond the arena’s own garage, downtown Montreal has numerous independent parking lots and structures within a few blocks — none of them officially affiliated with Bell Centre, so compare posted event-night rates before choosing one. Given the Metro’s convenience, many regular attendees skip driving altogether.
Bell Centre Seating Chart & Capacity Explained
The seating bowl is built in three main tiers. The lower bowl (100 sections, nicknamed “the reds” for their seat color) wraps closest to the ice and is the priciest tier. Above it sits the 200 level, sold as Club Desjardins, which includes wider seats, a private lounge, and all-inclusive food and drink for holders. The upper bowl (300 level) is split into the White and Blue sections plus family- and value-oriented zones, and offers the steepest, most affordable sightlines in the building.
For hockey, Bell Centre holds 20,962 fans — the largest capacity of any arena in Canada and, since the 2023 opening of Russia’s SKA Arena, the second-largest hockey-specific arena in the world. Concert configurations, which use a center stage or end-stage setup and remove some ice-level seating, typically hold around 15,000, though the exact number varies show to show. A women’s PWHL game in April 2024 pushed attendance to 21,105 by opening up additional seating, setting a world attendance record for a women’s hockey game.
For sightlines, lower-bowl sections behind either goal line give the best combination of price and view for Canadiens games, while center-ice seats in the 100 or 200 level are the most sought-after (and most expensive) in the building.
Tickets and Box Office
Canadiens tickets and most concerts route through Ticketmaster and the Bell Centre’s official box office, with resale available through the usual secondary marketplaces. Prices swing enormously by opponent, day of week, and how far in advance you buy — Original Six matchups (Boston, Toronto) and weekend games command a real premium over a Tuesday night against a non-rival.
Accessible seating is available in every price tier and section; contact the box office or your ticket vendor’s accessibility line ahead of the event to arrange it, since accessible inventory is limited and sells out of the general on-sale first.
Bag Policy, Security & What to Bring
Like most NHL buildings, Bell Centre runs a clear-bag policy: one clear plastic or vinyl bag no larger than roughly 12″ x 6″ x 12″, or a small non-clear clutch/purse around 4.5″ x 6.5″, per person. Backpacks, coolers, and any non-clear bag over that small-clutch size are turned away at the door, so plan to leave larger bags at your hotel rather than risk a check-in line.
Diaper bags and medically necessary items are allowed after inspection. Outside food and drink generally aren’t permitted, though a single sealed bottle of water is typically fine. Because policies are updated periodically, it’s worth a quick check of Bell Centre’s official site close to your event date.
Food, Drink & Amenities
Bell Centre’s concourses lean into Montreal food culture rather than generic arena fare: Le Hot de MTL’s steamed hot dogs are a fan favorite, alongside HABSburger, Pizza Pizza Trattoria, Canti Osteria, and the upscale 9-4-10 Steakhouse and Mythik venues for those wanting a sit-down option before puck drop. Club Desjardins ticket holders get access to a private lounge with included food and drink.
As with most major-market arenas, concession prices run well above street level, so budget accordingly if you’re planning to eat a full meal inside.
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. 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.
One of the building’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.
History: From Molson Centre to Bell Centre
The arena opened March 16, 1996 as the Molson Centre, built at a cost of roughly C$270 million to replace the aging Montreal Forum. It was renamed Bell Centre on September 1, 2002, after Bell Canada acquired the naming rights — a deal that has held for over two decades, making it one of the more durable naming-rights partnerships in professional sports.
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’s central downtown location and concert capacity of roughly 15,000 have made it a regular stop for major touring artists as well as a cultural anchor for the city.
Bell Centre Montreal guide FAQs
What is the address of Bell Centre?
Bell Centre is at 1909 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, directly connected to Lucien-L’Allier Metro station.
What is the seating capacity of Bell Centre?
Bell Centre seats 20,962 for Montreal Canadiens hockey games, the largest hockey capacity of any arena in Canada. Concerts typically hold around 15,000, and a 2024 PWHL game reached a record 21,105.
How do you get to Bell Centre without a car?
Take the Orange Line Metro to Lucien-L’Allier station, which connects underground directly to the arena in about a one-minute walk. Bonaventure station and Gare Centrale are both within a seven- to eight-minute walk.
Is there parking at Bell Centre?
Yes, Bell Centre has its own parking garage with an entrance on Rue Saint-Antoine Ouest, plus numerous independent lots nearby. Rates rise on event nights and the garage fills fast, so arriving early is recommended.
What is Bell Centre’s bag policy?
Bell Centre enforces a clear-bag policy: one clear bag up to roughly 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or a small non-clear clutch around 4.5″ x 6.5″ per person. Backpacks and coolers are not permitted.
When did Bell Centre open, and what was it originally called?
Bell Centre opened on March 16, 1996 as the Molson Centre. It was renamed Bell Centre on September 1, 2002 after a naming rights deal with Bell Canada.
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).
Get More from Bell Centre Montreal guide
Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Bell Centre Montreal guide, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.