OLYMPIC STADIUM
Montréal, Québec
Also known as: The Big O
Olympic Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Montréal, QC known for canada's most famous olympic stadium and one of its most debated sports buildings.
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The Building
Overview
Olympic Stadium in Montréal is one of Canada's most recognizable and controversial venues. Built for the 1976 Summer Olympics, it later hosted the Montréal Expos, CFL football, concerts and major events. Known as the Big O, it is central to any Canadian stadium encyclopedia because of its architecture, cost overruns, roof history and cultural legacy.
The 'Big O' — and famously the 'Big Owe' — was built for the 1976 Montréal Summer Olympics. Designed by French architect Roger Taillibert, it remains one of the most ambitious and most troubled stadium projects ever undertaken.
The leaning inclined tower (175 m, the tallest of its kind on Earth) was supposed to support a retractable Kevlar roof — but the roof was not finished until 1987, then collapsed, was replaced, and a full third-generation roof is now being installed for 2028. Total cost with debt service ran past $1.6 billion.
The stadium hosted the Expos until 2004, the Alouettes during Grey Cups and playoffs, and remains a major concert and trade-show venue today.
By the Numbers
Capacity Breakdown
56,040 permanent listed capacity
- Stadium56,040
Configurations and roof/renovation restrictions have affected event use.
What This Profile Covers
On This Stadium
- 1976 Olympics construction
- Big O architecture
- Expos baseball era
- Roof and maintenance controversies
- Modern event use and redevelopment discussions
Source-Backed
Verified Facts
- Opened July 17, 1976 for the Montréal Summer Olympics.
- Permanent capacity is commonly listed as 56,040, with higher historic Olympic and sport-specific configurations.
- Former home of the Montreal Expos and still an important Canadian mega-event venue.
Through the Years
History & Timeline
- 1976Opens for Summer Olympics — roof unfinished
- 1977Expos move in
- 1987Retractable Kevlar roof finally installed
- 199175-ton concrete beam collapses; Expos play road games
- 2004Expos play final game before relocating to Washington
- 2024Roof replacement begins — full rebuild through 2028
Who Plays Here
Tenants
Past
- Montréal Expos (MLB, 1977–2004)
- Montréal Alouettes (CFL, partial)
- Montréal Manic (NASL)
Memorable Moments
Notable Events & Records
- 1976 Summer Olympics — Opening & Closing Ceremonies, athletics, soccer final
- Expos history (1977–2004)
- Multiple Grey Cups
- Pope John Paul II Mass (1984)
In the Bowl
Seating Guide
Mostly used as an event venue today — seating configurations vary by show. The 1976 Olympic seating bowl remains intact under modern reconfigurations.
Game Day
Getting There
Pie-IX and Viau Métro stations at the doorstep. The funicular up the leaning tower offers a 360° view of Montréal.
Concessions
Food & Amenities
Limited day-to-day; expanded for events. Olympic Park complex includes the Biodome, Insectarium, Botanical Garden — make a day of it.
Plan Your Visit
Visitor Policies
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
- Olympic Stadium capacity changes and event configurations
- Olympic Stadium naming rights and former names
- Olympic Stadium transit, parking and arrival guide
- Olympic Stadium accessibility and family visitor notes
- Olympic Stadium seating, sightlines and atmosphere
- Olympic Stadium concert setup vs sports setup
- Olympic Stadium neighbourhood or district impact in Montréal
- Olympic Stadium historic moments and major events timeline
- Olympic Stadium field surface, roof/weather and event-day conditions
- Olympic Stadium football/soccer/baseball configuration guide
Supporting pages should be generated only after official sources are checked; policy pages require event-specific disclaimers.
Quick Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Olympic Stadium called the Big Owe?
Cost overruns from the 1976 Olympics and decades of repairs ran past $1.6 billion CAD — Quebecers finished paying it off in 2006.
Do any teams play at Olympic Stadium?
No full-time tenant. It hosts concerts, trade shows, occasional CF Montréal matches in cold weather, and major events.
Why is Montréal Olympic Stadium called the Big O?
The nickname refers to the stadium's large oval shape, and is also tied to its public reputation.
Did the Montréal Expos play at Olympic Stadium?
Yes. Olympic Stadium was the long-time home of the Montréal Expos.
Is Olympic Stadium still used?
Olympic Stadium remains a major venue but its use varies due to maintenance, configuration and project constraints.
Where is Olympic Stadium?
Olympic Stadium is in Montréal, QC, Canada.
What leagues are associated with Olympic Stadium?
Olympic Stadium is associated with Historic, Olympic.
What is the capacity of Olympic Stadium?
Olympic Stadium capacity should be read by event configuration: 56,040 permanent listed capacity. Configurations and roof/renovation restrictions have affected event use.
When did Olympic Stadium open?
Olympic Stadium opened in 1976-07-17.
What teams play at Olympic Stadium?
Current or notable teams associated with Olympic Stadium include Former Montréal Expos, Former Montréal Alouettes use.
What should visitors check before going to Olympic Stadium?
Visitors should confirm current bag rules, mobile-ticket requirements, camera policies, accessibility entry, transit updates and event-specific restrictions on the official Olympic Stadium or ticket issuer page before attending. Policies can vary by event.
Research
Sources & Verification
Last verified May 20, 2026
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