Pepsi Forum
by Jennifer Cox
January 21st, 2010
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.
Gallery (8 images)
Map
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Pepsi Forum
2313 rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest, Montreal, Quebec
(514) 933-4008
http://www.forumpepsi.com
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.
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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.
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.
I disagree with the last user. Hardly the last place you should go in Montreal. Just remember the history between those walls.
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