Pepsi Forum
Former home of the Montreal Canadiens balances rich history with loads of entertainment options
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If you hit only one tourist spot in Montreal, make it The Pepsi Forum. A blend of old and new, this entertainment complex once hosted some of the city’s biggest and most talked-about events.
Before getting its cola-soaked moniker, it was the Montreal Forum. And what a Forum it was. The arena saw the likes of The Beatles (for their first North American show), Queen, Frank Sinatra and The Rolling Stones, amongst many other impressive musical acts.
But the Montreal Forum's most deserving claim to fame is that it was the home of the beloved Montreal Canadiens, where the iconic team clinched a staggering 16 Stanley Cup titles (no wonder this town is so hockey hungry!).
Today, after a complete renovation, the historic building boasts stores, restaurants, a games centre (with pool tables, a VIP room and more than 90 cutting-edge video games), a 22-screen movie theatre, a rock-climbing wall and a comedy club. And though the cherished Canadiens no longer play here, it’s still one of the city’s go-to watering holes to watch sporting events.
But the spirit of “Les Boys” is still palpable, as the Pepsi Forum celebrates its history in fine style. Explore Centre Ice, an impressive centerpiece to this looming coliseum that boasts a statue of Canadiens' superstar Maurice "The Rocket" Richard. There's also a Hall of Fame on one of the upper levels.
If all of this hockey nostalgia has you feeling worn out, not to worry—the Pepsi Forum also features the original bleacher seats scattered throughout the building. You won't be the only one plunking down, as people are often found sitting in the stands, gazing up at the storied structure surrounding them.
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Contributors
Jennifer Cox is a full-time Montreal-based freelance journalist, and contributes to a wide range of print and web-based publications. She married her high-school sweetheart in October 2009 after 13 years of dating.
Brendan Harrison
The Pepsi Forum is an embarrassment to the city of Montreal. They've transformed a culturally significant piece of architecture into a home for a sub-Chuck E. Cheese amusement center, a chain electronics store and a mediocre movie theater. In a vibrant city full of cultural gems, this is the last place you should go. Steer clear.
Jennifer Cox
While it does have a very modern entertainment-y feel, yes, they've preserved some very special aspects of The Forum, and they plan on expanding on the hockey memorabilia. At least this way, with the bowling alley, rock-climbing wall, arcade and shops, not only can adults who are nostalgic about The Forum enjoy the space, but the younger generation can too.
Anonymous
I disagree with the last user. Hardly the last place you should go in Montreal. Just remember the history between those walls.
Mr Debauch
I think the arcade is closed down now. I tried going 2 weeks ago and it looked closed and empty though I couldn't see through the windows very well.
The arcade was kind of expensive, there was one game I used to play there now and then.... and many of the games were out of order anyways last time I was in there.
To be honest, the theater did play some non-mainstream titles which was awesome but it is kind of expensive even on tuesdays and I never used to like seeing the police patrolling the theater as if they are some sort of private security company. I guess anyone could be bought.
The nice addition was them putting a ms pacman galaga arcade cab in the main lobby, and also a marvel vs capcom 1 machine... very nice addition. I think they should have a couple more machines such as street fighter 2, etc... they already have golden tee golf there too... which is no surprise since it is the highest grosing video game in history.
the future shop is what it is... it isn't in the way. I find them very expensive. I tried buying a normal fire wire cable in there and they wanted to charge me over 20 dollars for the cheapest cable so I got that very cable identical to the micro-millimeter on ebay for $1.27 including shipping... buy it now price.
The coffee shop is neat and at least it isn't another starbucks.... but it aint a tim hortons as it should be in a canadian hockey arena themed mall.
the fancy italian restaurant is apparently great... however I refuse to pay that kind of money for pasta.... the cheapest thing in the world to make after rice.
The parking is great, easy, and not too expensive since parking meters have become as expensive as they are.... it is tough to seem over priced.
My over all vote:
the pepsi forum is total garbage. No more arcade which was not even that great to begin with.... now all we got is decent parking so I can go over to alexis nihon or take a walk down on the ghost town area of st catherine. I think it will shape up though over the next decade now that the seville block is getting built.
so the verdict out of 10? one star for the parking, one star for the marvel vs capcom machine in the main lobby... that makes a 2 our of 10
2/10
allison_upmagazine
Thanks for your comment, Mr. Debauch - everyone's entitled to your opinion, and we're happy you shared yours! :)
Mr_Debauch
No problem, It can only get better I think....
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