The Verdun Auditorium is a historic sports venue

published on December 9, 2021
Sporting event What's New in Montréal

The Verdun Auditorium is an iconic building that has recently been restored and transformed. It includes two rinks: the Scotty Bowman Space (named after the legendary former head coach of the Montréal Canadiens hockey team) and the Denis Savard Space (named after another Verdun native, who won a Stanley Cup with the Canadiens in 1993). This modern and multifunctional sports complex in Verdun can host sports, cultural, and artistic events.

History has been written

The building was constructed in 1938. During its existence, the auditorium has hosted various Québec Junior Hockey League teams, figure skating competitions, professional wrestling events, the short-lived Montréal Dragons for its lone season in the National Basketball League, and hundreds of other big athletic competitions. It has been the setting for some historic music events, such as Metallica (1986), Nirvana (1993), and Foo Fighters (2003). If those walls could talk, they’d have some stories to tell.

Beginning next year, the Verdun Auditorium will host Montréal’s expansion team in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Montréal Alliance. Additionally, it will be the headquarters of the High-Performance Centre for the women’s national team.

Facilities and equipment

Major upgrades on the building began in 2018 at a cost of $44 million. To preserve the building’s unique visual history, the original brick facade, hidden behind a steel wall, was restored and cleaned. Additionally, a central space was added to connect the two arenas, which sits beneath a large glass roof.

 

Amenities

With seats for 3500 spectators, the Verdun Auditorium is an ideal option for a variety of tournaments and sporting events. Event organizers have access to locker rooms, meeting rooms, spaces for ticketing, and concession stands.

Also available:

  • Air conditioning
  • Bike stand
  • Water fountains
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Nursing room
  • Parking (paid)
  • Washroom

Cheat Sheet

Venue: The Verdun Auditorium

Location: 4110 Boulevard LaSalle, Verdun

Website: montreal.ca/en/places/auditorium-de-verdun

Facility details: 2 rinks, various other rooms

 

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