Rogers Arena

History and Development

The construction of Rogers Arena was completed in 1995 at a cost of C$160 million, funded through private financing. It was built to replace the aging Pacific Coliseum as Vancouver's primary indoor sports and event facility and was spurred in part by the National Basketball Association's expansion into Canada that same year. The arena opened under the name General Motors Place as part of a sponsorship deal with General Motors Canada, leading to its common nicknames "GM Place" and "The Garage." From its inception, it was designed to be the home for the Vancouver Canucks of the NHL and the expansion Vancouver Grizzlies of the NBA. The arena's workforce is unionized, and in 2007, a majority of employees chose to change their union affiliation to the Christian Labour Association of Canada after a process overseen by the British Columbia Labour Relations Board. The employee group includes hosts, housekeeping, security and various event staff, while food service workers employed by Aramark were separately represented by UNITE-HERE Local 40.

In February 2010, the arena played a central role in the 2010 Winter Olympics, hosting the men's and women's ice hockey tournaments where Canada won both gold medals. Due to Olympic regulations prohibiting corporate sponsorship at event sites, the venue was temporarily renamed Canada Hockey Place for the duration of the Games. That same year, the arena also received a new suspended scoreboard, which was at the time the largest in the NHL. On July 6, 2010, General Motors Canada declined to renew its naming rights, and Rogers Communications acquired them under a 10-year agreement, leading to the venue's permanent renaming to Rogers Arena. The following year, the arena reached a five-year sponsorship deal with PepsiCo, making it the exclusive provider of beverages and snacks and leading to the promotional branding "Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena" for all concerts held at the venue.

Following the naming change, Canucks Sports & Entertainment installed a unique visual system in October 2010, prior to the 2010-11 Vancouver Canucks season. This system featured four-storey high theatrical scrims and 16 projectors, the first setup of its kind in North American sports, last used during the 2015-16 season. The arena's ownership, Aquilini Investment Group, had originally planned to build condo towers adjacent to the arena but switched to rental units, with the first tower completed by June 2016 and the second nearing completion at that time. This development provided the city with rental space but resulted in the city losing about $35 million in developer contributions to community facilities that would have been collected if the buildings had been condominiums.

Major Renovations

Rogers Arena began a significant multi-phase renovation project starting before the 2022-23 NHL season. The first phase involved a complete overhaul of the players' dressing room and team staff areas, modernizing the facilities for athletes. Prior to the 2023-24 NHL season, the second phase was completed, which featured the installation of a new centre-hung video board and a new ribbon board above the lower bowl, significantly enhancing the in-arena viewing experience for fans. This phase also included work on a new VIP restaurant located between the tunnels leading to the home and away team benches. The final phase of renovations, originally scheduled for completion before the 2024-25 NHL season, has been delayed to sometime in 2025 and will involve the replacement of all seating in the upper and lower bowls of the arena.

These comprehensive upgrades are designed to maintain the arena's status as a leading sports and entertainment venue while improving comfort and amenities for all attendees. The renovation of the team areas and the installation of new video technology represent substantial investments by Canucks Sports & Entertainment to keep the facility competitive with newer NHL arenas. The delay of the seating replacement to 2025 allows for further planning and execution to ensure the new seats meet modern standards for comfort and sightlines. The addition of the VIP restaurant offers a new premium experience for guests in a unique location close to the action on the ice or court.

Tenants and Sporting History

Rogers Arena has been the permanent home of the Vancouver Canucks since its opening in 1995. The Canucks' inaugural game at the arena was a 3-5 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on October 9, 1995. The venue also hosted the 1998 NHL All-Star Game and was the site of the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals, where the Boston Bruins defeated the Canucks in Game 7 to claim the championship. The arena served as the home for the Vancouver Grizzlies of the NBA from 1995 until the team's relocation to Memphis in 2001. The Grizzlies' first home game was a 100-98 overtime victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 5, 1995, and their final home game was a 95-110 loss to the Houston Rockets on April 14, 2001.

In addition to its primary tenants, the arena has housed other professional teams. The Vancouver Ravens of the National Lacrosse League played at the venue from 2002 to 2004 before operations were suspended, with attempts to revive the team made in 2007 and 2008. Currently, the Vancouver Warriors of the NLL call Rogers Arena home. The arena has also been a frequent host for international hockey, including the 2006 and 2019 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. A landmark event occurred on January 8, 2025, when the arena hosted its first Professional Women's Hockey League game, drawing a crowd of 19,038 to see the Montreal Victoire defeat the Toronto Sceptres 4-2. The arena will also host the first WNBA regular season game in Canada on August 15, 2025, between the Seattle Storm and Atlanta Dream.

• Vancouver Canucks (NHL): Primary tenant since 1995. Hosted 1998 All-Star Game and 2011 Stanley Cup Finals.
• Vancouver Grizzlies (NBA): Tenant from 1995 to 2001. First game November 5, 1995.
• Vancouver Ravens (NLL): Tenant from 2002 to 2004. Operations suspended.
• Vancouver Warriors (NLL): Current tenant.
• 2010 Olympic Ice Hockey: Host venue for men's and women's gold medal games.
• World Junior Championships: Hosted in 2006 and 2019.
• Women's Professional Sports: Hosted PWHL game in 2025 and scheduled WNBA game in 2025.

Notable Events and Concerts

Beyond professional sports, Rogers Arena is a hub for major entertainment events, concerts, and awards ceremonies. It has hosted the Juno Awards on four occasions: the 27th awards in 1998, the 38th in 2009, the 47th in 2018, and the 54th in 2025. The venue has been a regular stop for Ultimate Fighting Championship events, with notable cards including UFC 115: Liddell vs. Franklin in 2010, UFC 131: dos Santos vs. Carwin in 2011, and UFC 289: Nunes vs. Aldana in 2023. A UFC Fight Night event is scheduled for October 18, 2025, featuring de Ridder vs. Allen. Professional wrestling has a long history at the arena, from WWE pay-per-views like In Your House 9: International Incident in 1996 and Survivor Series in 2024 to the AEW Dynasty pay-per-view in April 2026, which drew the largest non-WWE pro wrestling live audience in British Columbia in 58 years.

The arena has also hosted significant international sporting competitions outside of hockey. It was the venue for the 2001 World Figure Skating Championships from March 17 to 25 and the 2023 Laver Cup men's tennis tournament from September 22 to 24. In the area of esports, it hosted The International 2018 Dota 2 championship from August 20 to 25. Major concert acts have performed at Rogers Arena for decades, including Celine Dion for one night on October 9, 1998, as part of her Let's Talk About Love World Tour. More recently, Linkin Park performed in September 2025 on their From Zero World Tour, and the K-pop group TWICE held concerts there on January 9 and 10, 2026, as part of their This Is For World Tour. The arena also hosted an NBA preseason game on October 5, 2014, between the Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings, the first NBA game there since the Grizzlies' departure.

Olympic Legacy and International Hockey

Rogers Arena's most prominent role on the global stage was as the main venue for ice hockey during the 2010 Winter Olympics. From February 13 to 28, 2010, the arena hosted the men's and women's tournaments under the temporary name Canada Hockey Place. The Canadian men's team won the gold medal in an overtime victory against the United States, while the Canadian women's team also secured gold. This period cemented the arena's place in Canadian sports history. The facility has continued to be a preferred site for premier international hockey events, including the IIHF World Junior Championships in 2006 and 2019, drawing large and passionate crowds to see top junior talent.

The success of the 2010 Olympics demonstrated the arena's capability to host world-class events under immense scrutiny and pressure. The temporary transformation for the Games, including the name change and adherence to strict Olympic branding protocols, was carried out effectively. The legacy of those Games continues, as the arena remains a symbol of Vancouver's and Canada's hockey excellence. Its design and amenities, which were already considered top-tier, were validated on the Olympic stage, reinforcing its reputation as one of North America's premier hockey venues. The arena also hosted a memorable ceremonial puck drop by Queen Elizabeth II on October 6, 2002, before an NHL exhibition game between the San Jose Sharks and the Vancouver Canucks.

Arena Features and Amenities

Rogers Arena was designed as a modern, multi-purpose facility with a focus on fan experience and athlete performance. Its original construction included private suites, club seats, and extensive concession areas. A significant technological feature added in 2010 was the installation of four-storey high theatrical scrims and 16 projectors, creating immersive visual displays during Canucks player introductions, a first in North American sports. The arena's scoreboard has been upgraded multiple times, with a major installation in 2009 that was then the largest in the NHL, followed by the new centre-hung video board and ribbon boards installed in 2023. The arena's event technical employees are provided through Riggit Services Inc.

The arena's concessions and beverage services have been under an exclusive partnership with PepsiCo since 2011, offering a wide range of snacks and drinks. The ongoing renovation project is adding a new VIP restaurant adjacent to the team benches. Its location in downtown Vancouver, adjacent to BC Place Stadium and near public transit, makes it a central and accessible part of the city's entertainment district. The arena has also been the site of labour protests, including in 2009 when concession workers, cooks and event staff protested their payment.

Event Chronology and Milestones

The history of Rogers Arena is marked by a series of significant inaugural and final events for its tenant teams and major one-off spectacles. For the Vancouver Canucks, key dates include their first game on October 9, 1995, and their run to the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals, hosting Games 1, 2, 5, and 7. For the Vancouver Grizzlies, their first home game was on November 5, 1995, and their last was on April 14, 2001. The arena's first major non-sporting event was the hosting of the 27th Juno Awards on March 22, 1998. The building reached a national audience during the 2010 Olympics and later during the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals broadcast.

The pace of major events has continued in recent years, reflecting the arena's busy calendar. It hosted the 47th Juno Awards in 2018 and the 2023 Laver Cup. The year 2025 is particularly notable, with scheduled events including the 54th Juno Awards on March 30, a PWHL game on January 8, a WNBA game on August 15, a UFC Fight Night on October 18, and a Linkin Park concert on September 21. This demonstrates the venue's versatility and its importance as a destination for premier events across sports and entertainment. The following year, 2026, will see the AEW Dynasty pay-per-view in April and concerts by TWICE in January.

• 1995: Arena opens. Canucks and Grizzlies first games.
• 1998: Hosts NHL All-Star Game (Jan 18) and 27th Juno Awards (Mar 22).
• 2001: Hosts World Figure Skating Championships (Mar 17-25). Grizzlies final game (Apr 14).
• 2002: Queen Elizabeth II drops ceremonial puck (Oct 6).
• 2006: Hosts World Junior Ice Hockey Championships (Dec 26 - Jan 5).
• 2010: Hosts Olympic ice hockey (Feb 13-28). Renamed Rogers Arena (Jul 6).
• 2011: Hosts Stanley Cup Finals games (Jun 1, 4, 10, 15).
• 2019: Hosts World Junior Ice Hockey Championships (Dec 26 - Jan 5).
• 2025: Hosts PWHL game (Jan 8), Juno Awards (Mar 30), WNBA game (Aug 15), UFC Fight Night (Oct 18), Linkin Park concert (Sep 21).
• 2026: Hosts AEW Dynasty (Apr 12) and TWICE concerts (Jan 9-10).

Questions about Rogers Arena

When did Rogers Arena open and what was its original name?

Rogers Arena opened in 1995. It was originally named General Motors Place as part of a sponsorship agreement with General Motors Canada. The venue was commonly referred to as GM Place or The Garage. The name was changed to Rogers Arena on July 6, 2010, after Rogers Communications acquired the naming rights under a 10-year deal.

What major renovations have been done to Rogers Arena?

A multi-phase renovation began before the 2022-23 NHL season. Phase one renovated the players' dressing rooms and team staff areas. Phase two, completed before the 2023-24 season, installed a new centre-hung video board and ribbon boards. A new VIP restaurant is also part of this phase. The final phase, delayed to 2025, will replace all seating in the upper and lower bowls of the arena.

What are some notable non-sporting events held at Rogers Arena?

The arena has hosted the Juno Awards four times (1998, 2009, 2018, 2025). It is a regular venue for UFC events and WWE professional wrestling pay-per-views. Major concerts have included performances by Celine Dion in 1998, Linkin Park in 2025, and TWICE in 2026. It has also hosted the Laver Cup tennis tournament in 2023, The International Dota 2 esports championship in 2018, and the 2001 World Figure Skating Championships.

Which sports teams call Rogers Arena home?

Rogers Arena is the home of the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League and the Vancouver Warriors of the National Lacrosse League. It was previously the home of the Vancouver Grizzlies of the NBA from 1995 to 2001, before the team relocated to Memphis. The arena was also briefly home to the Vancouver Ravens of the National Lacrosse League from 2002 to 2004. Built in 1995, the arena replaced the Pacific Coliseum as Vancouver's primary indoor sports facility. This construction was partly motivated by the NBA's 1995 expansion into Canada, which granted Vancouver and Toronto teams.

What role did Rogers Arena play in the 2010 Winter Olympics?

Rogers Arena hosted the ice hockey tournaments at the 2010 Winter Olympics. During the event, the arena was temporarily renamed Canada Hockey Place due to regulations regarding corporate sponsorship of event sites. Canada won both the men's and women's gold medals in ice hockey at this venue. The arena has a history of hosting major international hockey events, including the 2006 and 2019 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. Its use for the Olympics highlights its status as a premier facility for major sporting events.

Has Rogers Arena hosted any women's professional sports leagues?

Yes, Rogers Arena has hosted games for women's professional sports leagues. On January 8, 2025, it hosted the first Professional Women's Hockey League game in Vancouver, where the Montreal Victoire defeated the Toronto Sceptres with 19,038 in attendance. The arena is scheduled to host the first WNBA regular season game in Canada on August 15, 2025, between the Seattle Storm and Atlanta Dream. These events demonstrate the arena's ongoing role as a versatile venue for both men's and women's professional sports. The arena's history of hosting diverse events includes basketball, lacrosse, and major concerts.

Sources and further reading

• Rogers Arena (Wikipedia)
• Rogers Arena, Home of the Vancouver Canucks (blog.ticketmaster.com)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-23.