Place Bell

Planning and Construction

The project for a major arena in Laval was first announced by then-mayor Gilles Vaillancourt on February 13, 2012, as part of the city's urban development ambitions. Initial plans placed the arena in the Quartier de l'Agora district near the courthouse, but unstable soil conditions necessitated a relocation to a more suitable site. In October 2012, the city confirmed the arena would be built adjacent to the Montmorency station on the Montreal Metro's Orange Line, improving public transit access significantly. The project's budget experienced considerable escalation, starting with an original estimate of $92.6 million, which was revised to $150 million less than a year later. By March 2014, new mayor Marc Demers estimated the final cost would reach approximately $200 million, citing costs not accounted for by the previous administration. The Government of Quebec committed a $46 million contribution, and Mayor Demers requested the province assume more of the costs, as it had for other arena projects in Quebec.

Primary Hockey Tenants and Events

Place Bell's primary identity is as a professional hockey venue, housing both an American Hockey League franchise and a top-tier women's professional team. The Montreal Canadiens announced on July 11, 2016, that their AHL affiliate, then the St. John's IceCaps, would relocate to Laval for the 2017-18 season. The team was officially renamed the Laval Rocket on September 8, 2016, and played its inaugural game at Place Bell on October 6, 2017, defeating the Belleville Senators 3-0. Canadiens owner Geoff Molson and team legend Guy Lafleur participated in the ceremonial puck drop, Daniel Audette scored the franchise's first goal, and goaltender Charlie Lindgren recorded the shutout. The Rocket's first home playoff game occurred on May 12, 2022, resulting in a 4-1 victory over the Syracuse Crunch. The arena was scheduled to host the 2022 AHL All-Star Game, but it was cancelled and rescheduled, with Place Bell successfully hosting the event on February 6, 2023.

Women's professional hockey has a significant history at the arena, beginning with Les Canadiennes de Montréal of the Canadian Women's Hockey League moving there for the 2018-19 season. The team relocated its daily operations and training camp to the complex, playing games in both the main arena and a community rink. In their lone season at Place Bell, Les Canadiennes advanced to the Clarkson Cup final after defeating the Markham Thunder in a semi-final at the arena. They lost the championship final to the Calgary Inferno. The facility's role in women's hockey expanded dramatically with the launch of the Professional Women's Hockey League. During the PWHL's inaugural 2023-24 season, Montréal Victoire played select home games at Place Bell, with its first game there on January 16, 2024, a 3-2 win over the New York Sirens. The team played a total of 11 home games across three venues that season, with six at Verdun Auditorium and four at Place Bell.

Key Hockey Milestones at Place Bell

• October 6, 2017: Laval Rocket's inaugural game, a 3-0 win over Belleville.
• 2018-19 Season: Hosts Les Canadiennes de Montréal for their final CWHL season.
• May 12, 2022: Rocket's first home playoff game, a 4-1 win over Syracuse.
• February 6, 2023: Hosts the 2023 AHL All-Star Game.
• January 16, 2024: First PWHL Montréal game at Place Bell, a 3-2 win over New York.
• 2024-25 Season: Becomes permanent home arena for PWHL Montréal.
• April 20, 2024: PWHL Montréal sets world attendance record (21,105) at Bell Centre.

Following strong attendance in the 2023-24 season, including three capacity crowds and a historic triple-overtime playoff game versus Boston, PWHL Montréal announced in 2024 that Place Bell would become its permanent home venue. The team averaged 3,209 fans in six games at Verdun Auditorium and 9,105 fans in six combined regular season and playoff games at Place Bell. General Manager Danièle Sauvageau stated the move offered "the best of both worlds," allowing the team to play at Place Bell while continuing to train at the Centre 21.02 in Verdun. All six PWHL teams will play 30 games in the 2024-25 season, which will include neutral site games.

Facility Features and Management

Place Bell is a comprehensive sports complex managed by Evenko, the same company that operates the Bell Centre in Montreal, creating a synergistic management model for the Canadiens organization. The main arena is a modern facility designed primarily for hockey, with a seating capacity of 10,172 for such events, providing a significant upgrade over smaller local venues like the 4,114-seat Verdun Auditorium. In addition to the main bowl, the complex includes two community ice rinks, one of which features an Olympic-sized ice sheet, supporting local skating and hockey programs. The naming rights were acquired by Bell Canada, continuing the telecommunications company's association with major Quebec sports venues. Its location directly beside the Montmorency Metro station integrates it into Montreal's public transit network, making it highly accessible for fans from across the region. The arena's design and operations are geared towards hosting a variety of events, from sports to concerts, under the expertise of Evenko's event management team.

Other Sporting Events and Programming

Beyond its core hockey programming, Place Bell has developed a diverse calendar of other sporting events, reflecting its multi-purpose design. Since 2022, the arena has hosted NCAA basketball, including the annual Northern Classic Division I tournament held each November, which featured six teams in its 2023 edition. In a notable expansion into professional basketball, a partnership between Canadiens ownership and the Brooklyn Nets will see the arena host a series of NBA G League home games for the Long Island Nets beginning in the 2025 season. For these games, the team will wear special uniforms branding them as Les Nets Montreal, embracing a local identity. The arena's flexibility and size also make it a candidate for hosting major international competitions, contributing to Montreal's status as a host city for world-class events like those planned for 2026, including the UCI Road World Championships and the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour.

Economic and Community Impact

The construction and operation of Place Bell represented a major municipal investment, with final costs around $200 million, funded through a combination of city funds and a $46 million contribution from the Quebec government. Its development has stimulated activity in the surrounding area of central Laval, particularly with its direct connection to a major transit hub. As the home for the Laval Rocket, the arena provides a direct pipeline for developing NHL talent for the Montreal Canadiens, strengthening the hockey ecosystem in the region. The arrival of PWHL Montréal as a primary tenant has solidified the arena's economic importance, drawing an average of 9,105 fans across six games in the 2023-24 season and demonstrating strong market demand for women's professional sports. France Margaret, president of Groupe CH Sports and Entertainment, stated the organization was "thrilled" to host PWHL Montréal, noting the "electric atmosphere" created by crowds at record-setting games. The facility also supports community sports through its two additional ice rinks, making it a resource for local athletes and families, while its events bring visitors and spending to Laval businesses.

Attendance and Market Reception

The success of Place Bell as a sports venue is evidenced by strong attendance figures, particularly for its marquee tenants. The Laval Rocket has established a loyal fan base since its 2017 debut, regularly drawing crowds to the 10,000-seat arena. The most significant demonstration of market strength came with the introduction of PWHL Montréal, which averaged 3,209 fans in six games at its initial home, Verdun Auditorium, but saw that average leap to 9,105 in six combined regular season and playoff games at Place Bell during the 2023-24 season. This included three games that reached the arena's capacity, proving the viability of women's professional hockey in a larger venue. PWHL Montréal also set a world record for attendance at a women's professional hockey game with 21,105 fans at the Bell Centre on April 20, 2024, illustrating the immense potential of the Montreal market. PWHL analyst Hanna Bunton noted the move to a professional-level venue shows how exciting the league is and how well it has been marketed.

Future Developments and Role

Place Bell is poised to maintain and expand its status as a premier sports and entertainment destination in the Montreal region. With PWHL Montréal now established as a permanent tenant, the arena will host a full 30-game home schedule for the 2024-25 season and beyond, building on the electric atmosphere witnessed in its inaugural season. The scheduled arrival of NBA G League games in 2025, under the Les Nets Montreal branding, will add another layer of professional basketball to its annual event roster. The arena's management by Evenko ensures it remains integrated into the broader network of Canadiens-owned properties, facilitating potential collaborations and event bookings. As Laval and Montreal continue to host major international events like the 2026 UCI Road World Championships, Place Bell's modern facilities and transit links position it as a key venue for future tournaments and competitions. The arena is already scheduled to host Laval Rocket games into the 2026-27 season, with a match against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms set for November 4, 2026, indicating its long-term booking stability.

Partnerships and Broader Sports Context

Place Bell operates within a network of partnerships that enhance its role in Quebec sports. Its management by Evenko creates a direct link to the Montreal Canadiens and the Bell Centre, allowing for shared expertise and promotional synergies. The partnership with Bell Canada for naming rights aligns the venue with one of the country's most recognizable brands. The collaboration with the Brooklyn Nets to bring NBA G League games represents an international sports partnership, broadening the arena's scope. PWHL Montréal's tenancy is itself a partnership with Groupe CH, the Canadiens' ownership group, which expressed strong support for the team's move. This ecosystem supports Montreal's identity as a top city for high-level athletics, hosting approximately 60 major competitive events in an average year. Place Bell contributes directly to this tally, hosting regular season games for two professional leagues, an annual NCAA tournament, and special events like the AHL All-Star Game, solidifying Laval's place on the regional sports map.

Questions about Place Bell

Where is Place Bell located and how do I get there?

Place Bell is located in Laval, Quebec, directly adjacent to the Montmorency station on the Montreal Metro's Orange Line. This integration with Montreal's public transit system makes it easily accessible from downtown Montreal and across the island, requiring only a metro ride to reach the arena. Driving access is also available, with the arena situated in a developed area of central Laval. The original plan was to build it in the Quartier de l'Agora, but the site was moved due to unstable soil conditions.

Which sports teams call Place Bell home?

Place Bell is the full-time home arena for two professional hockey teams. The Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League, the top affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens, have played there since the 2017-18 season. Beginning with the 2024-25 season, PWHL Montréal of the Professional Women's Hockey League also made Place Bell its permanent home venue. Previously, the arena hosted Les Canadiennes de Montréal of the CWHL for their final season in 2018-19, and it will host NBA G League games for the Long Island Nets starting in 2025.

What major events has Place Bell hosted besides hockey?

Beyond hockey, Place Bell has hosted a variety of other sporting and entertainment events. Since 2022, it has been the venue for the NCAA Northern Classic basketball tournament each November, featuring six Division I teams in 2023. It is also scheduled to host NBA G League games for the Long Island Nets, branded as Les Nets Montreal, beginning in the 2025 season. The arena's multi-purpose design and large capacity also make it suitable for major concerts and other live performances managed by Evenko.

How much did it cost to build Place Bell and who paid for it?

The final construction cost for Place Bell was approximately $200 million. The project's budget increased significantly from its initial announcement, starting at an estimate of $92.6 million in February 2012, revised to $150 million less than a year later. By March 2014, Mayor Marc Demers provided the $200 million figure, citing previously unaccounted costs. The Government of Quebec contributed $46 million towards the project's funding, and the City of Laval covered the remainder.

What was the significance of PWHL Montréal moving to Place Bell?

PWHL Montréal's move to Place Bell for the 2024-25 season demonstrated the growth and commercial viability of women's professional hockey. The team averaged 9,105 fans in six games at the arena during the 2023-24 season, including three capacity crowds and a historic triple-overtime playoff game, proving strong demand. General Manager Danièle Sauvageau called the opportunity to play at Place Bell and train at Centre 21.02 in Verdun "the best of both worlds. The move from a 4,114-seat venue to a 10,172-seat professional arena provided more opportunities for fans and reflected the league's successful inaugural season.

What is the seating capacity of Place Bell for hockey games?

Place Bell has a seating capacity of 10,172 spectators for hockey games in its main arena. This capacity is a key feature of the multi-purpose arena located in Laval, Quebec. It is significantly larger than the Verdun Auditorium, which seats approximately 4,000 for hockey. This larger size made it the new permanent home for PWHL Montréal starting with the 2024-25 season, as the team averaged 9,105 fans per game there during the prior season. The arena complex also includes two smaller community ice rinks.

Sources and further reading

• Place Bell (Wikipedia)
• Montréal's sports teams and major sporting events score ... (mtl.org)
• Place Bell to Serve as PWHL Montréal's Primary Venue (theixsports.com)
• PWHL Montreal is making Laval's Place Bell its home for ... (cbc.ca)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-28.