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Stylized illustration of Montreal Forum in Montréal, Québec
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MONTREAL FORUM

Montréal, Québec

ArenaDistrict · Downtown Montréal

Montreal Forum is a historic indoor arena in Montréal, QC known for the most storied historic hockey arena in canada.

Capacity
17,959
Opened
1924
Closed 1996
Roof
Indoor
Ice
Owner
Canderel (current building)
Arch: John Smith Archibald

Right Now

Live & Upcoming Events

Ticketed event data provided by Ticketmaster. Availability and pricing may change.

The Building

Overview

The Montreal Forum is one of hockey's most storied buildings and a cornerstone venue in Canadian sports history. Opened in 1924, it hosted decades of Canadiens championships and major cultural events before the team moved to Bell Centre in 1996. A full Stadiums.ca profile should treat the Forum as both a venue and a symbol of Montréal hockey identity.

The Montreal Forum is the most successful arena in professional sports history — 24 Stanley Cups for the Canadiens were celebrated under its roof, plus championship runs for the Maroons. Built in just 159 days in 1924 at the corner of Atwater and Sainte-Catherine, it was the centre of Canadian hockey for 72 years.

Today the building is the Forum Pepsi, a downtown entertainment complex — a movie theatre, restaurants and shops — but the original centre-ice seating section is preserved as a memorial, complete with the Canadiens' bench and a row of seats overlooking the polished hardwood.

By the Numbers

Capacity Breakdown

17,959 historic hockey listing

  • Hockey17,959

Historic capacity; building no longer operates as an NHL arena.

What This Profile Covers

On This Stadium

  • 1924 opening
  • Canadiens dynasty years
  • Maroons and early NHL history
  • Concerts and major events
  • Move to Bell Centre and repurposing

Source-Backed

Verified Facts

  • Opened in 1924 for the Montreal Maroons and became the long-time home of the Montreal Canadiens from 1926 to 1996.
  • Parks Canada identifies the Forum as an important Canadian sport symbol and 20th-century sporting venue.
  • Closed to NHL use in 1996 when the Canadiens moved to Molson Centre/Bell Centre.

Through the Years

History & Timeline

  1. 1924Opens November 29; built in 159 days
  2. 1924Maroons (not Canadiens) play first NHL game in the Forum
  3. 1926Canadiens move in full-time
  4. 1968Major renovation; capacity expanded
  5. 1993Canadiens win their 24th Stanley Cup here — last for any Canadian team
  6. 1996Canadiens play final game March 11; ghost goal lights and tradition pass to new Molson Centre

Who Plays Here

Tenants

Past

  • Montréal Canadiens (1926–1996)
  • Montréal Maroons (1924–1938)

Memorable Moments

Notable Events & Records

  • 24 Canadiens Stanley Cup championships
  • 1972 Summit Series — Game 1 (USSR def. Canada 7-3)
  • Multiple Canada Cup finals
  • The Rocket Richard Riot (1955)

In the Bowl

Seating Guide

Preserved centre-ice memorial section inside the entertainment complex. The Centre Bell across town now houses the franchise's daily operations.

Game Day

Getting There

Atwater Métro is directly underneath. Walking distance to Westmount and downtown.

Concessions

Food & Amenities

Multiplex cinema, AMC theatre, restaurant chains, La Cage. Pilgrimage site for hockey fans.

Plan Your Visit

Visitor Policies

Policies can vary by event, league, artist tour, promoter and ticket issuer. Always check the official venue page and your event/ticket details before you go.

What to check before you go

  • bag policy
  • prohibited items
  • camera/video rules
  • mobile tickets
  • cashless payments
  • re-entry
  • accessibility entrances
  • transit and parking
  • door times
  • food and beverage
  • family washrooms
  • sensory/accessibility accommodations

Going Deeper

Related Topics & Guides

  • Montreal Forum capacity changes and event configurations
  • Montreal Forum naming rights and former names
  • Montreal Forum transit, parking and arrival guide
  • Montreal Forum accessibility and family visitor notes
  • Montreal Forum seating, sightlines and atmosphere
  • Montreal Forum concert setup vs sports setup
  • Montreal Forum neighbourhood or district impact in Montréal
  • Montreal Forum historic moments and major events timeline
  • Montreal Forum hockey rink operations and ice events
  • Montreal Forum suite, club and premium seating guide

Supporting pages should be generated only after official sources are checked; policy pages require event-specific disclaimers.

Quick Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Stanley Cups did the Canadiens win at the Forum?

Twenty-four — the all-time record for any NHL building.

Is the Montreal Forum still standing?

Yes — the building was preserved and converted in 1996 into an entertainment complex with a memorial centre-ice section.

Do the Canadiens still play at the Montreal Forum?

No. The Canadiens moved to Bell Centre in 1996.

When did the Montreal Forum open?

The Montreal Forum opened in 1924.

Why is the Montreal Forum famous?

It is famous for hosting many of the Canadiens' championship eras and major hockey moments.

Where is Montreal Forum?

Montreal Forum is in Montréal, QC, Canada.

What leagues are associated with Montreal Forum?

Montreal Forum is associated with Historic, NHL.

What is the capacity of Montreal Forum?

Montreal Forum capacity should be read by event configuration: 17,959 historic hockey listing. Historic capacity; building no longer operates as an NHL arena.

When did Montreal Forum open?

Montreal Forum opened in 1924-11-29.

What teams play at Montreal Forum?

Current or notable teams associated with Montreal Forum include Former Montréal Canadiens, Former Montréal Maroons.

What should visitors check before going to Montreal Forum?

Visitors should confirm current bag rules, mobile-ticket requirements, camera policies, accessibility entry, transit updates and event-specific restrictions on the official Montreal Forum or ticket issuer page before attending. Policies can vary by event.

Research

Sources & Verification

Last verified May 20, 2026

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