The Montreal Forum, known as "the most storied building in hockey history", stood as a monument to Canadian sports and culture from 1924 to 1996. Located at the corner of Atwater and Ste-Catherine West, it was more than just an arena; it was a symbol of Montreal's identity and a shrine to hockey.
The idea to build the Montreal Forum is credited to Sir Edward Wentworth Beatty, president of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Construction was completed in a mere 159 days at a cost of C$1.5 million. The Forum officially opened on November 29, 1924. Initially, it served as home to the Montreal Maroons from 1924 to 1938, a team created to appeal to the city's English-speaking population. In 1926, the Montreal Canadiens also made the Forum their home, solidifying the arena's place in hockey history.
The Canadiens called the Montreal Forum home for 70 years, from 1926 to 1996. During that time, the team played 2,367 games, achieving a .703 winning percentage with a record of 1,492-529-346. The Montreal Canadiens won 22 Stanley Cups while playing at the Forum. The Maroons also captured two Stanley Cups in 1926 and 1935. In 1949, the arena was renovated, increasing the seating capacity to 12,500. Another renovation in 1968 brought the total to 17,959.
Beyond hockey, the Montreal Forum hosted a wide array of events, showcasing its versatility and importance to the city. The Forum hosted the first and only funeral in its history for Canadiens' legend Howie Morenz in 1937. The arena was also a major concert venue, hosting The Beatles in 1964, Diana Ross & the Supremes in 1969, Bob Marley and the Wailers in 1978, and Queen in 1981. Additionally, the Forum was a venue for the 1976 Summer Olympics, hosting events such as gymnastics, handball, basketball, volleyball, and boxing. Nadia Comaneci achieved the first perfect 10 in Olympic history at the Forum during the gymnastics competition.
As the demands of professional sports evolved, the aging Forum couldn't keep pace. On March 11, 1996, the Montreal Canadiens played their final game at the Forum, defeating the Dallas Stars 4-1. Following the departure of the Canadiens, the Forum was transformed into a multi-purpose entertainment complex, reopening in 1998. Today, the building is a Cineplex movie theatre, preserving the exterior facade. Artifacts and exhibits of the Montreal Forum are on display, including a Canadiens emblem marking center ice.
