Percival Molson Memorial Stadium

History and construction

The stadium's origins date to 1914 when construction began on land in Macdonald Park on the lower slopes of Mount Royal. Designed by McGill University architect Percy Erskine Nobbs, the venue was built into a natural depression, creating a compact and steep-sided seating bowl. The first event was an intercollegiate track meet on October 22, 1915, where it was officially dedicated as McGill Graduates' Stadium. The original construction cost was approximately C$100,000, equivalent to about $1.7 million in modern currency. The stadium sat dormant during World War I from 1914 to 1918 due to the cessation of football and other sporting activities. In 1917, Captain Percival Molson, a McGill alumnus, sports star, and great-grandson of brewer John Molson who had been instrumental in getting the stadium plan approved, was killed in action in France. His will left a $75,000 bequest to the university to help complete the stadium, which was subsequently renamed in his honour by the university's Board of Governors on October 25, 1919. Additional funding for construction and renovations came from prominent donors William C. Macdonald and John W. McConnell.

The Montreal Alouettes first used the stadium as their home from 1954 to 1967 before moving to the Autostade. An attempted return in 1972 was short-lived, with the team moving back to the Autostade the following season. The Alouettes' permanent return was prompted by a unique circumstance in 1997 when a playoff game was displaced from Olympic Stadium by a scheduled U2 concert. The game was moved to Molson Stadium and played before a sellout crowd, convincing the franchise to make it their primary home again starting with the 1998 season. However, all Alouettes playoff games continued to be played at the larger Olympic Stadium until 2015. The stadium has hosted significant events beyond professional football, including the 1931 Grey Cup, which was the first time the championship was contested outside of Ontario. It also served as a venue for field hockey during the 1976 Summer Olympics, becoming the first Olympic venue to stage a competition on artificial turf.

Renovations and capacity

Molson Stadium has undergone several renovations that have altered its seating capacity and facilities over the decades. A major renovation project began in 2009 with the goal of expanding the CFL's smallest stadium. Completed in time for the 2010 CFL season, the $29.4 million project increased capacity from 20,202 to 25,012 seats. The renovation involved constructing a second tier on the south side of the stadium, adding about 3,800 seats, and replacing temporary bleachers in the east end zone with 1,500 permanent seats. A new section was added to the northeast corner, and 19 new private suites were built. The funding was shared by the Quebec government ($19.3 million), the City of Montreal ($4 million), and then-Alouettes owner Robert Wetenhall ($6,023,935). Following this expansion, capacity was later reduced. In 2014, seats were removed to bring the official capacity down to 23,420. A further reconfiguration prior to the 2019 season lowered the seating capacity to its current figure of 20,025, maintaining its status as the most intimate venue in the CFL.

Tenants and primary use

Percival Molson Memorial Stadium is a multi-purpose facility with a primary focus on football. Its longest continuous tenant is the McGill University football program, with the McGill Redbirds (men's) and Martlets (women's) of U Sports having played there since the stadium opened in 1915. The stadium's most prominent tenant is the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League, who have used it as their primary home since 1998, following earlier tenures from 1954 to 1967 and briefly in 1972. The venue has also hosted other football organizations over the years. The Montreal Royal of the American Ultimate Disc League played at the stadium during the 2014 and 2015 seasons. The Selwyn House Gryphons high-school football team uses the facility, as does the Canadian Corporate Soccer League, which is the largest amateur corporate league in Canada. The stadium continues to host special events, including concerts and community gatherings.

The stadium's tenants include the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League, who have played there from 1954 to 1967 and again since 1998. It is also home to the McGill Redbirds and Martlets of the RSEQ and the Montreal Royal of the American Ultimate Disc League. The Selwyn House Gryphons high-school football team and the Canadian Corporate Soccer League also use the facility. The stadium has additionally served as a venue for field hockey during the 1976 Summer Olympics.

• McGill Redbirds and Martlets (U Sports football), 1915 to present
• Montreal Alouettes (CFL), 1954 to 1967, 1972, 1998 to present
• Montreal Royal (AUDL), 2014 to 2015
• Selwyn House Gryphons (high school football)
• Canadian Corporate Soccer League

Field characteristics and layout

The playing field at Molson Stadium has distinct characteristics shaped by its historic design. Because the playing surface is surrounded by a running track, the full 65-yard width of a regulation CFL field is not available right at the end lines. The full width is available for more than half of each end zone, with only the corners being cut off. Since the 2014 CFL season, following the removal of the running track at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium, Molson Stadium has been the only venue in the league with end zones that are not fully squared off. This layout is scheduled to change for the 2027 CFL season when the league adopts a shorter field length of 130 yards total (a 100-yard field with 15-yard end zones) while maintaining the 65-yard width, which will make the full width of the end zones available for games. The stadium's playing surface has evolved from natural grass to artificial turf. For the 1976 Olympics, it was converted to AstroTurf. In 2004, the Alouettes installed a modern FieldTurf surface, replacing the older Astroturf.

Location, access, and amenities

The stadium is situated at 475 Pine Avenue West in the Ville-Marie borough of Montreal, clinging to the southern slopes of Mount Royal within the McGill University campus. Its location provides a unique setting, with views of the mountain behind one end zone and the downtown Montreal skyline visible from the other. Access on Alouettes game days is facilitated by a free shuttle service, the STM Navette des Alouettes, which runs from the Place-des-Arts metro station starting two hours before weekend kickoffs. For general access, the closest metro station is McGill on the Green Line, followed by an 11-minute walk north. Several bus routes, including the 129, 144, and 80, stop near the Avenue des Pins and Aylmer intersection, a short walk from the gates. Parking is extremely limited on site, with the Molson Stadium lot offering approximately 182 spaces. Private parking garages nearby include the 300 Léo Pariseau garage and the 3524 Avenue du Parc facility. Rideshare services like Uber can drop off directly at the stadium address, with fares from downtown hotels typically under $15 CAD and from the airport around $35-50 CAD.

Key access points and services include the free STM Navette des Alouettes shuttle from Place-des-Arts metro station for Alouettes games. The stadium's GPS address is 475 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montreal. Limited parking is available at the Molson Stadium/MNI lot with about 182 spaces. Private garages nearby include 300 Léo Pariseau and 3524 Avenue du Parc. Uber drop-off is at the stadium address, and from the airport, the STM 747 Express bus connects to downtown.

• Free Alouettes shuttle from Place-des-Arts metro (UQAM exit)
• McGill metro station (Green Line), 11-minute walk
• Bus routes 129, 144, 80 to Des Pins/Aylmer stop
• On-site parking lot with ~182 spaces ($10, credit/debit only)
• Nearby private parking garages
• Rideshare drop-off at 475 Avenue des Pins Ouest

Recent developments and 2026 season

The stadium continues to evolve with new features and fan experiences introduced regularly. For the 2026 Canadian Football League season, the Montreal Alouettes announced several new amenities and promotional events at Molson Stadium. The home opener is scheduled for Friday, June 12, 2026, against the Toronto Argonauts. New for the season is a dedicated student section, an expanded family zone, and brand-new premium seats located beside the players' benches on both sides of the field. The stadium's sound system has also been upgraded to enhance the fan experience. The 2026 schedule includes themed games such as a Back-to-School Game with special pricing for students, Sunday Football games with pre-game tailgate offers, and Family Days on select Saturdays offering discounted child tickets. The season will also feature a celebration of the Alouettes' 80th franchise anniversary during a game against the Ottawa Redblacks. A Thanksgiving Day game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders is set for Monday, October 12, 2026. Special halftime shows are planned, including performances by a world-renowned DJ, the Canadian senior men's national flag football team, and the musical group Legends of Rock.

Notable events and records

Percival Molson Memorial Stadium has been the site of numerous notable sporting events and holds several records within the Canadian football landscape. It hosted the Grey Cup championship game in 1931, marking the first time the trophy was contested outside of Ontario. During the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, the stadium was a venue for the field hockey competition. From August 12, 1999, until 2009, the stadium maintained a sellout streak for Montreal Alouettes regular season games, demonstrating the strong fan support following the team's return. The stadium is recognized as the oldest active stadium in the Canadian Football League. For many years, along with Hamilton's Ivor Wynne Stadium, it was one of only two CFL stadiums named for individuals known for their contributions to amateur sport. The venue's return as the Alouettes' home in 1998 presented a unique sponsorship conflict, as the team was sponsored by Labatt Brewing Company while the stadium bore the Molson name, though not named for the brewery. This was resolved when the team changed its sponsor to Budweiser in 2014.

Questions about Percival Molson Memorial Stadium

Who was Percival Molson and why is the stadium named after him?

Percival Molson was a McGill University alumnus and a sports star who was instrumental in getting the stadium plan approved. He was a captain in the Canadian Expeditionary Force and was killed in action in France in 1917. His will left $75,000 to the university to help pay for the completion of the stadium. In his honour, the university's Board of Governors renamed the facility Percival Molson Memorial Stadium on October 25, 1919.

What is the seating capacity of Molson Stadium?

The seating capacity has changed several times due to renovations. Following a major expansion completed in 2010, capacity peaked at 25,012. Seats were later removed, reducing capacity to 23,420 in 2014. After a reconfiguration prior to the 2019 season, the current official seating capacity is 20,025. This makes it the smallest stadium in the Canadian Football League, contributing to its renowned intimate atmosphere.

How do I get to the stadium for an Alouettes game?

The most convenient option for Alouettes games is the free STM Navette des Alouettes shuttle bus, which runs from the Place-des-Arts metro station (UQAM exit) starting two hours before weekend kickoffs. You need a valid game ticket to board. The closest metro station is McGill on the Green Line, followed by an 11-minute walk north. Several bus routes also serve the area. Driving is not recommended due to extremely limited parking, though a small on-site lot and nearby private garages are available. Rideshare services can drop off at 475 Pine Avenue West.

Do the Montreal Alouettes own Percival Molson Memorial Stadium?

No, the Montreal Alouettes do not own the stadium. Percival Molson Memorial Stadium is owned by McGill University. The Alouettes are a tenant of the university, having used the stadium as their primary home since the 1998 CFL season, following earlier tenures from 1954 to 1967 and a brief period in 1972. The university's sports teams, the McGill Redbirds and Martlets, are the stadium's longest-standing tenants.

What other teams or events use the stadium?

Beyond the Montreal Alouettes, the stadium is the home field for the McGill University Redbirds and Martlets football teams. It has also hosted the Montreal Royal of the American Ultimate Disc League, the Selwyn House Gryphons high-school football team, and games for the Canadian Corporate Soccer League. The stadium has been used for major events like the 1931 Grey Cup and field hockey during the 1976 Summer Olympics. It also hosts concerts and various community events throughout the year.

What new features are coming to the stadium for the 2026 Alouettes season?

For the 2026 CFL season, several new fan experience features are being introduced at Molson Stadium. These include a dedicated student section, an expanded family zone, and new premium seats located right beside the players' benches. The stadium's sound system has been upgraded. Themed game promotions for 2026 include a Back-to-School Game with student pricing, Sunday Football tailgate events, Family Days with discounted child tickets, and an 80th-anniversary celebration for the Alouettes franchise. Special halftime shows will feature flag football, musical performances, and a BMX show.

Sources and further reading

• Percival Molson Memorial Stadium (Wikipedia)
• New for 2026 and Individual Tickets Now Available! (en.montrealalouettes.com)
• Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, Montreal: Visitor Guide (meetstadium.com)
• Percival-Molson Memorial Stadium (tickets.ca)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-26.