Place Bell
{{Short description|Arena in Laval, Quebec, Canada}}
{{For|the office tower in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada|One60 Elgin}}
{{Distinguish|text=the Bell Centre in Downtown Montreal}}
{{Infobox venue
| logo_image = Place-bell-logo.png
| image = Place Bell - Fall 2019.jpg
| caption = Exterior view from Cnr Rue Lucien-Paiement & Rue Claude-Gagné in November 2019
| mapframe-marker = stadium
| address = {{nowrap|1950 Rue Claude-Gagné}}
| location = Laval, Quebec
| coordinates = {{Coord|45.5558|-73.7218|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| publictransit = {{rint|montreal|metro}} {{rint|montreal|metro|2}} Montmorency station
{{rint|bus}}Terminus Montmorency
{{Ric|Canada transit|STL|name=y}}
| owner = City of Laval
| operator = Evenko and Harden
| seating_capacity = Main arena: 10,062
Arena 2: 2,500
Arena 3: 500
| opened = {{start date and age|2017}}
| construction_cost = $200 million
| architect = Lemay
| tenants = Laval Rocket (AHL) (2017–present)
Montréal Victoire (PWHL) (2024–present)
Les Canadiennes de Montreal (CWHL) (2018–2019)
| website = [https://placebell.ca/en Official Website]
}}
Place Bell is a multi-purpose arena in Laval, Quebec, Canada. The complex includes a 10,062-seat main arena, which is the home of the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League (AHL), and two smaller community ice rinks, one of which has Olympic-size ice. The arena was also home to Les Canadiennes de Montréal for the final season of play in the Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL). The arena hosted select games for Montréal Victoire of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) during the inaugural 2023–24 season, and became their permanent home for the 2024-25 season.{{Cite news |date=2024-09-04 |title=PWHL Montreal is making Laval's Place Bell its home for team's 2nd season |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/pwhl-montreal-new-venue-1.7313239 |access-date=2024-09-22 |work=CBC News}}
History
= Construction =
Then-mayor of Laval, Gilles Vaillancourt, announced the project on February 13, 2012.{{Cite news |date=2012-02-13 |title=Laval pushes ahead with arena plans |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/laval-pushes-ahead-with-arena-plans-1.1144179 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016044619/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/laval-pushes-ahead-with-arena-plans-1.1144179 |archive-date=2013-10-16 |work=CBC News}} The facility is managed by Evenko, the same company that operates the Bell Centre in Montreal, home of the National Hockey League's Montreal Canadiens. As in the case of the Bell Centre, the naming rights for the Laval arena were acquired by Bell Canada.{{Cite news |date=2012-02-13 |title=Laval ice complex to be run by management of Habs' Montreal arena |url=https://www.thespec.com/sports/laval-ice-complex-to-be-run-by-management-of-habs-montreal-arena/article_6da62540-6ff4-570d-ab8c-7875f503e3d6.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117184911/https://www.thespec.com/sports/laval-ice-complex-to-be-run-by-management-of-habs-montreal-arena/article_6da62540-6ff4-570d-ab8c-7875f503e3d6.html |archive-date=2024-01-17 |work=The Hamilton Spectator}} The cost of the project roughly doubled after it was first announced. Originally announced to cost $92.6 million, the estimate was revised less than a year later to $150 million. In March 2014, Laval's new mayor, Marc Demers, estimated that the cost of Place Bell would be $200 million, because of costs not factored by the previous administration. The Government of Quebec committed to contributing $46 million; Demers asked that the province assume more of the costs, as it did for other arena projects.Martin C. Barry, [http://lavalnews.ca/article/Laval-to-build-Place-Bel-amphitheatre-by-2014-200408 "Laval to build Place Bell amphitheatre by 2014"], Laval News, February 27, 2012.{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/laval-s-place-bell-arena-to-cost-50m-more-in-overruns-1.2577305|title=Laval's Place Bell arena to cost $50M more in overruns|date=18 March 2014|work=CBC News|access-date=23 July 2016}}
File: Placebellcrunch.jpg game against the Syracuse Crunch]]
Initial plans called for the arena to be built in the city's Quartier de l'Agora district, next to the Laval courthouse, but the unstable soil in that location led to a move. In October 2012, the city announced that the project would be located adjacent to the Montmorency station of the Montreal Metro Orange Line.François Gagnon, [http://www.lapresse.ca/debats/chroniques/francois-gagnon/201210/10/01-4581711-laval-la-place-bell-changera-dadresse.php "Laval: la Place Bell changera d'adresse"], La Presse, October 10, 2012 (in French). Construction started in late 2014 and was completed in 2017.[http://www.courrierlaval.com/Sports/2012-10-14/article-3099122/Le-demenagement-de-la-Place-Bell-confirme/1 "Le déménagement de la Place Bell confirmé"], Courrier Laval, October 14, 2012 (in French).
= Major tenants =
On July 11, 2016, the Montreal Canadiens announced that its AHL affiliate, then known as the St. John's IceCaps, would relocate to Place Bell in 2017.{{cite web |url=http://theahl.com/canadiens-moving-ahl-affiliate-to-laval-in-17-18-p202988 |title=Canadiens moving AHL affiliate to Laval in 17-18 |publisher=AHL |date=11 July 2016 |access-date=11 July 2016 |archive-date=12 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160712142344/http://theahl.com/canadiens-moving-ahl-affiliate-to-laval-in-17-18-p202988 |url-status=dead }} On September 8, 2016, the Canadiens announced that the team would be named the Laval Rocket.{{cite web |url=http://www.cjad.com/cjad-news-human-interest/2016/09/08/new-laval-ahl-team-will-be-known-as-the-rocket |title=New Laval AHL team will be known as the Rocket |publisher=CJAD |date=September 8, 2016}} The Rocket hosted their inaugural game at the arena on October 6, 2017, defeating the Belleville Senators by a score of 3–0.{{Cite news |last=Dumont |first=Marc |date=2017-10-06 |title=Laval Rocket lift off a success in franchise's inaugural game |url=https://theathletic.com/120914/2017/10/07/orange-line-report-rocket-lift-off-a-success/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117193541/https://theathletic.com/120914/2017/10/07/orange-line-report-rocket-lift-off-a-success/ |archive-date=2024-01-17 |access-date=2024-01-17 |work=The Athletic}} Canadiens owner Geoff Molson and team legend Guy Lafleur both took part in the pre-game ceremonial puck drop; Daniel Audette scored the franchise's first goal, while Charlie Lindgren recorded the shutout. The Rocket's first home playoff game took place on May 12, 2022; the Rocket defeated the Syracuse Crunch by a score of 4–1.{{Cite news |date=2022-05-12 |title=Laval Rocket defeat Syracuse Crunch 4-1 to take 2-1 series lead |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/laval-rocket-defeat-syracuse-crunch-4-1-to-take-2-1-series-lead/article_05ac1010-9fbd-5594-9f6e-44ac435fee38.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117194545/https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/laval-rocket-defeat-syracuse-crunch-4-1-to-take-2-1-series-lead/article_05ac1010-9fbd-5594-9f6e-44ac435fee38.html |archive-date=2024-01-17 |access-date=2024-01-17 |work=Toronto Star |agency=The Canadian Press}}
In 2020, it was announced that Place Bell would host the 2022 AHL All-Star game.{{Cite news |date=2020-08-04 |title=Laval to host All-Star Classic in 2022 |url=https://theahl.com/laval-host-all-star-2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930150757/https://theahl.com/laval-host-all-star-2022 |archive-date=2020-09-30 |access-date=2024-01-17 |work=The American Hockey League}} The 2022 game was ultimately cancelled, and Place Bell hosted the 2023 game on February 6, 2023, instead.{{Cite news |date=2023-02-06 |title=Pacific Division wins thrilling All-Star Challenge |url=https://theahl.com/pacific-division-wins-thrilling-all-star-challenge |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219064332/https://theahl.com/pacific-division-wins-thrilling-all-star-challenge |archive-date=2023-02-19 |access-date=2024-01-17 |work=The American Hockey League}}
On September 20, 2018, it was announced that the Les Canadiennes de Montréal of the CWHL would be moving to the arena from the Complexe sportif Claude-Robillard, playing both in the main arena and the community rink.{{Cite news |date=2018-09-20 |title=Les Canadiennes to Play at Place Bell Starting this Fall |url=http://montreal.thecwhl.com/en/les-canadiennes-to-play-at-place-bell-starting-this-fall |access-date=2018-09-20 |work=Les Canadiennes de Montreal |language=en-US}} Les Canadiennes also moved their daily operations and training camp into the complex. The team played one season at Place Bell before the league and team ceased operations following the 2018–19 season. In their lone season at Place Bell, Les Canadiennes advanced to the Clarkson Cup final by defeating the Markham Thunder in the semi-final at Place Bell; they lost the championship final to the Calgary Inferno.{{Cite news |last=Hickey |first=Pat |date=2019-03-11 |title=Les Canadiennes crush defending Clarkson Cup champs to reach final |url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/les-canadiennes-crush-defending-clarkson-cup-champs-to-reach-final |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190319205749/https://montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/les-canadiennes-crush-defending-clarkson-cup-champs-to-reach-final |archive-date=2019-03-19 |access-date=2024-01-17 |work=Montreal Gazette}}{{Cite news |date=2019-03-24 |title=Calgary Inferno top Canadiennes de Montreal to win 2019 Clarkson Cup |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/calgary-inferno-top-canadiennes-de-montreal-win-2019-clarkson-cup/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810053753/https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/calgary-inferno-top-canadiennes-de-montreal-win-2019-clarkson-cup/ |archive-date=2022-08-10 |access-date=2024-01-17 |work=Sportsnet |agency=The Canadian Press}}
In 2022, Place Bell began hosting NCAA basketball, including the annual Northern Classic Division I tournament, which takes place each November.{{Cite news |last=Hickey |first=Pat |date=2022-07-01 |title=Montreal-area fans who love NCAA basketball are in for a treat |url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/montreal-area-fans-who-love-ncaa-basketball-are-in-for-a-treat |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720192618/https://montrealgazette.com/sports/montreal-area-fans-who-love-ncaa-basketball-are-in-for-a-treat |archive-date=2022-07-20 |access-date=2024-01-17 |work=Montreal Gazette}}{{Cite news |last=Lidbetter |first=Mark |date=2022-11-22 |title=The Northern Classic brings NCAA Division I basketball to Place Bell this weekend |url=https://www.thesuburban.com/sports/the-northern-classic-brings-ncaa-division-i-basketball-to-place-bell-this-weekend/article_0d37c4b3-a9da-5a50-aada-51429a2c2ff0.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180247/https://www.thesuburban.com/sports/the-northern-classic-brings-ncaa-division-i-basketball-to-place-bell-this-weekend/article_0d37c4b3-a9da-5a50-aada-51429a2c2ff0.html |archive-date=2023-12-07 |access-date=2024-01-17 |work=The Suburban}} The 2023 event featured six Division I teams.{{Cite news |date=2023-10-24 |title=The Northern Classic returns to Place Bell! |url=https://www.basketball.qc.ca/en/publication/news/the_northern_classic_returns_to_place_bell.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117195625/https://www.basketball.qc.ca/en/publication/news/the_northern_classic_returns_to_place_bell.html |archive-date=2024-01-17 |access-date=2024-01-17 |work=Basketball Québec}}
In 2023, it was announced that Montréal Victoire of the new Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) would host select 2023–24 games at Place Bell, with the majority of its home games hosted at Verdun Auditorium.{{Cite news |last=Donkin |first=Karissa |date=2023-11-30 |title=PWHL releases full 72-game schedule ahead of inaugural season |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/pwhl/pwhl-2024-schedule-details-1.7045387 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106104930/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/pwhl/pwhl-2024-schedule-details-1.7045387 |archive-date=2024-01-06 |access-date=2024-01-14 |work=CBC Sports}} The first game at Place Bell took place on January 16, 2024, with Montréal defeating visiting New York Sirens by a score of 3–2.{{Cite news |date=2024-01-16 |title=Poulin scores winner, PWHL Montreal beats New York for first win at home |url=https://www.tsn.ca/marie-philip-poulin-scores-winner-pwhl-montreal-beats-new-york-for-first-win-at-home-1.2063590 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117045140/https://www.tsn.ca/marie-philip-poulin-scores-winner-pwhl-montreal-beats-new-york-for-first-win-at-home-1.2063590 |archive-date=2024-01-17 |access-date=2024-01-17 |work=TSN |agency=The Canadian Press}}
Tenants
= Current =
| class="wikitable"
|+ !Team !League !Since !Championships |
| Laval Rocket
|2017 |0 |
| Montréal Victoire
|Professional Women's Hockey League |2023 |0 |
| McGill Redbirds
|2024 |1 |
| McGill Martlets
|Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec |2024 |4 |
= Former =
| class="wikitable"
!Team !League !Years |
| Les Canadiennes de Montréal
|Canadian Women's Hockey League |2018–19 |
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.bce.ca/en/news/releases/comspon/2012/02/13/77051.html Press release] regarding naming rights agreement
- [https://placebell.ca/en Official Website]
{{Laval Rocket}}
{{Bell Canada}}
{{AHL Arenas}}
{{CWHL Arenas}}
Category:Basketball venues in Quebec
Category:Ice hockey venues in Quebec
Category:Sports venues in Laval, Quebec
Category:Sports venues completed in 2017