Centre Vidéotron

Development and Construction

The project to build a new arena for Quebec City was formally initiated with a ground-breaking ceremony on September 3, 2012. The event was attended by notable figures including then-Québecor Chairman Pierre Karl Péladeau, then-Premier of Quebec Jean Charest, and former Quebec Nordiques players Michel Goulet, Peter Šťastný, and Alain Côté. Physical construction on the arena began one week later on September 10, 2012. The total construction cost was $370 million, which was notably under the initial $400 million projection, with the City of Quebec and the provincial government each covering 50 percent of the cost. On March 1, 2011, Québecor entered into an agreement to acquire the management rights to the arena, a deal valued between $33 million and $63 million upfront plus annual rent between $3.15 million and $5 million. This arrangement was made without a public tender, with the provincial government providing legal immunity for the process. As part of its management contract, Québecor also secured the arena's naming rights, announcing on April 7, 2015, that the venue would be named after the corporation's cable subsidiary, becoming the Centre Vidéotron.

The arena officially opened to the public on September 3, 2015, with two-hour public tours offered over the following three days. Its inaugural sporting event was a Quebec Remparts hockey game on September 12, 2015, against the Rimouski Océanic, which set a Quebec Major Junior Hockey League attendance record of 18,259 fans. The building's opening marked the culmination of a multi-year project intended to provide Quebec City with a modern, NHL-calibre venue. The facility's completion and successful launch were seen as critical steps in the city's ongoing efforts to secure a return of top-level professional sports.

Design and Features

Centre Vidéotron was designed by the global architecture firm Populous, with Kurt Amundsen serving as the lead project designer. The arena occupies approximately 64,000 square metres of space, a reduction from the originally proposed 70,000 square metres. In terms of size and design, it is comparable to other modern NHL arenas such as PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh and Rogers Place in Edmonton. Amundsen described the design as "hockey-first," tailored to Canadian fans' preference for an intimate view of the game rather than extensive in-arena entertainment. The seating bowl was designed to be "as steep and tight as it could possibly get," creating a sense that spectators are on top of the ice. This steep design for the upper bowl was so pronounced that building codes required the installation of safety rails at every row to ensure patron safety.

A significant feature within the complex is a dedicated television studio, valued between C$30 million and C$40 million, which supports broadcasting and media production. The arena's capacity of 18,259 makes it the 18th-largest ice hockey arena in North America and the second-largest on the continent that does not host a National Hockey League team. The design prioritizes sightlines and atmosphere for hockey, reflecting its primary purpose while also being adaptable for concerts, family shows, and other large-scale events. The integration of premium amenities and modern infrastructure was intended to meet the standards expected by major league sports franchises and touring acts.

Primary Tenants and Hockey

The primary and original tenant of Centre Vidéotron is the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, who began play at the arena upon its opening in 2015. The venue was conceived and built with the explicit goal of attracting a National Hockey League franchise to Quebec City, a cause actively supported by operator Québecor. The financial terms of Québecor's management agreement are structured to increase in value should an NHL team relocate to the arena. Beyond junior hockey, the arena has become a regular host for the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament since 2016, welcoming young players from around the world.

Centre Vidéotron has also become a significant venue for professional women's hockey. It hosted its first Professional Women's Hockey League game on January 19, 2025, when the Montreal Victoire defeated the Ottawa Charge 2-1 before a sell-out crowd of 18,259. The PWHL returned on January 11, 2026, for a game between the Vancouver Goldeneyes and the Montreal Victoire. The arena further expanded its sporting portfolio by hosting its first National Basketball Association game on October 3, 2026, as part of the NBA Canada Series, where the Miami Heat defeated the Toronto Raptors 129 to 105. These events demonstrate the building's versatility and its importance as a multi-sport facility for the region.

Major Concert History

Centre Vidéotron has established itself as a premier concert destination in Eastern Canada, hosting numerous major international touring acts since its opening. The very first concert held at the arena was by Metallica on September 16, 2015, as part of their Lords of Summer Tour, just two days after the band played the final event at the old Colisée Pepsi. Madonna performed to a sold-out crowd of over 13,000 people on September 21, 2015, during her Rebel Heart Tour. Rihanna brought her Anti World Tour to the venue on April 5, 2016, adding to the venue's growing reputation for hosting global pop stars.

Canadian artists have a strong presence in the arena's history. Shania Twain has performed multiple sold-out shows, beginning with her Rock This Country Tour on October 9, 2015, which she initially announced as her final tour. She returned for her Now Tour on June 28, 2018, and her Queen of Me Tour on June 17, 2023, the latter grossing over $1.5 million from over 13,300 patrons. The artist with the most performances at Centre Vidéotron is Céline Dion, with a total of eight concerts. She played five shows during her Summer Tour 2016 for 67,368 spectators and launched her Courage World Tour at the arena in 2019 with three concerts for 39,930 fans. Billie Eilish performed at the venue on September 29, 2024, opening her Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour there, continuing the tradition of hosting contemporary hitmakers.

Other Notable Events

Beyond hockey and concerts, Centre Vidéotron hosts a diverse range of major televised entertainment events. The arena has become a regular stop for major professional wrestling promotions. World Wrestling Entertainment hosted televised episodes of WWE Raw at the venue on August 21, 2023, and August 11, 2025. Prior to the 2023 event, Quebec wrestling historian Pat Laprade noted in Le Journal de Québec that it would mark the first televised WWE event ever held in Quebec City. All Elite Wrestling also brought its televised programs to the arena, hosting episodes of AEW Dynamite and AEW Rampage on March 27, 2024, which brought a different style of professional wrestling to the city's fans.

The venue's flexibility allows it to accommodate various large-scale gatherings, from sporting events like the NBA pre-season game to major international tours. Its status as a modern, large-capacity facility in Quebec City ensures it remains the first choice for promoters and organizers seeking to stage major events in the region. This consistent booking of high-profile events contributes significantly to the local economy and establishes the arena as a central pillar of the city's event infrastructure, drawing visitors from across the province and beyond. The building's design and management have proven effective in attracting a wide variety of top-tier entertainment, fulfilling a key objective of its construction.

Key Event Records and Milestones

Since its opening, Centre Vidéotron has been the site of numerous attendance records and significant firsts for Quebec City. The arena hosted its first Quebec Remparts game on September 12, 2015, setting a QMJHL attendance record of 18,259 spectators. It held the first Professional Women's Hockey League game in Quebec City on January 19, 2025, in front of a sell-out crowd of 18,259 fans. The venue hosted the very first televised WWE event in Quebec City on August 21, 2023. It also hosted its first NBA basketball game as part of the pre-season NBA Canada Series on October 3, 2026.

• September 12, 2015: First Quebec Remparts game sets a QMJHL attendance record of 18,259.
• September 16, 2015: First-ever concert features Metallica.
• 2016: Begins hosting the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament.
• January 19, 2025: Hosts first Professional Women's Hockey League game, a sell-out for Montreal Victoire vs. Ottawa Charge.
• August 21, 2023: Hosts first televised WWE event in Quebec City (WWE Raw).
• March 27, 2024: Hosts first All Elite Wrestling televised events (AEW Dynamite and Rampage).
• October 3, 2026: Hosts first NBA pre-season game (Miami Heat vs. Toronto Raptors).

The collection of these records and firsts demonstrates the arena's successful integration into the highest levels of sports and entertainment. It has hosted major international tours from artists like Madonna, Rihanna, and Billie Eilish. The arena has been the site for televised events from major professional wrestling promotions like WWE and All Elite Wrestling. It consistently hosts the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. Celine Dion has performed a total of eight concerts at the venue, more than any other singer.

Questions about Centre Vidéotron

When did Centre Vidéotron open and what was its cost?

Centre Vidéotron officially opened on September 8, 2015. The construction project began on September 10, 2012, following a ground-breaking ceremony on September 3, 2012. The final construction cost was $370 million, which was under the initial $400 million estimate. The cost was split evenly, with 50 percent covered by the City of Quebec and 50 percent by the provincial government.

Who owns and operates Centre Vidéotron?

The arena is owned by the City of Quebec. The management and operating rights were acquired by Québecor in an agreement finalized on March 1, 2011. As part of this management contract, Québecor also holds the naming rights, leading to the arena being named after its Vidéotron cable subsidiary. The deal was made without a public tender, with legal immunity provided by the provincial government.

What are some of the biggest concerts held at Centre Vidéotron?

The arena has hosted many major international touring acts. The first concert was by Metallica in September 2015. Other notable performers include Madonna, Rihanna, and Billie Eilish. Canadian singer Shania Twain has performed multiple sold-out shows, and Céline Dion holds the record for the most performances at the venue with eight concerts across two different tours.

What is the seating capacity of Centre Vidéotron?

Centre Vidéotron has a total seating capacity of 18,259 for ice hockey events. This capacity was established upon its opening in 2015 and makes it the 18th largest ice hockey arena in North America. It is also the second largest arena on the continent that does not host a National Hockey League team. The venue consistently achieves this full capacity for major events, such as setting a Quebec Major Junior Hockey League attendance record during its first Quebec Remparts game in September 2015. The same sell out crowd of 18,259 was also present for the first Professional Women's Hockey League game in Quebec City in January 2025.

Which sports teams call Centre Vidéotron home?

The primary tenant is the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, who have used the arena as their home since its opening in 2015. The arena was specifically built with the prospect of hosting a new or relocated National Hockey League team for Quebec City. Québecor, which holds the management rights, has actively backed an expansion franchise for this purpose. The venue also hosts the Professional Women's Hockey League, with games played in 2025 and 2026. It hosted its first NBA pre season game in October 2026 as part of the NBA Canada Series.

Has Centre Vidéotron hosted any professional wrestling events?

Yes, Centre Vidéotron has hosted several major televised professional wrestling events. World Wrestling Entertainment produced two episodes of WWE Raw from the venue on August 21, 2023, and August 11, 2025. The 2023 event was notably the first televised WWE event ever to take place in Quebec City. All Elite Wrestling hosted televised episodes of AEW Dynamite and AEW Rampage at the arena on March 27, 2024. These events demonstrate the arena's versatility in hosting large scale entertainment spectacles beyond its primary hockey focus.

Sources and further reading

• Centre Vidéotron (Wikipedia)
• About the Videotron Centre (lecentrevideotron.ca)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-20.