Québec City’s Colisée Pepsi, once a must-see venue for field hockey fans and showgoers, has played a pivotal role in the city’s history.
From its inauguration in 1949 to its closure in 2015, this iconic arena has hosted landmark events that have shaped the region’s sporting and artistic culture. A look back at the evolution of Colisée Pepsi, a veritable monument to Quebec’s collective memory.
Colisée Pepsi, one of Quebec City’s sporting and cultural icons, has undergone a long evolution since its creation. Located in the heart of the city, this venue has made history by hosting major sporting events, shows and gatherings.
For those wishing to explore the Colisée’s rich past while staying in the heart of Quebec City, visit BnB Québec to book an unforgettable stay.
The construction of Colisée Pepsi
The Colisée Pepsi was inaugurated in 1949 as the Colisée de Québec. The aim of the project was to provide the city with a multifunctional arena capable of hosting major sporting events, particularly field hockey, a sport very popular with Quebecers.
At the time of its construction, it represented a technological and architectural breakthrough for the region. It had a capacity of over 10,000, making it one of the largest arenas of its time in Canada.
The Colisée was first home to the Quebec Aces, a field hockey team that played in the American Hockey League (AHL).
Over the years, the Colisée has become a gathering point for field hockey fans, helping to strengthen its reputation. If you’re looking to relive these historic moments, a stay at BnB Québec will allow you to immerse yourself in the city’s living history.
Colisée Pepsi and the Quebec Nordiques
One of the most significant events in the history of the Colisée was the arrival of the Quebec Nordiques in 1972. With the arrival of this World Hockey Association (WHA) team, and later the National Hockey League (NHL), the Colisée experienced an unprecedented boom. It became a veritable temple to field hockey, hosting legendary games and becoming a symbol of Quebec pride.
It was at the Colisée that the Nordiques enjoyed some of their greatest successes, particularly in the 1980s, when the team competed with the best teams in the NHL.
This close link between the Colisée and the Nordiques has left its mark on the hearts of Quebecers and remains engraved in the city’s collective memory. Even today, many fans have fond memories of the thrilling games played on the Colisée ice.
Over the years, the Colisée has undergone several renovations to adapt to modern needs. In the 1990s, the arena was modernized to offer a better spectator experience and maintain its status as a premier arena.
That’s when it took on the name Colisée Pepsi, thanks to a partnership agreement with the famous beverage brand.
Despite the renovations, the Colisée has retained its charm of yesteryear, blending tradition and modernity. In addition to field hockey, it has hosted international shows, world-famous concerts and a variety of cultural events. Staying at BnB Québec allows you to discover these places rich in history while being close to the city’s best attractions.
One of the most heartbreaking moments for fans of the Colisée and Quebec City was the departure of the Nordiques in 1995, when the team was sold and transferred to Colorado to become the Avalanche.
This departure left a huge void in the hearts of field hockey fans, and although the Colisée continued to host various events, the departure of the Nordiques marked the end of a glorious era for this iconic venue.
Colisée Pepsi continued to be used for sporting and cultural events until the opening of the new Centre Vidéotron in 2015, an ultra-modern arena designed to meet today’s requirements.
The Colisée, despite its gradual demise, remains a monument to Quebec history, and for local history buffs, a stay at BnB Québec offers total immersion in this fascinating past.
Since the opening of Centre Vidéotron, Colisée Pepsi has been closed to the general public, and its future remains uncertain. Some projects have been mooted, such as transforming it into a multifunctional space, while others advocate its demolition to make way for new construction.
Whatever the case, the Colisée remains engraved in the memories of Quebecers, who see it as much more than just a sports arena. It’s a witness to the great moments in Quebec City’s history, and its legacy continues to inspire today’s generations.
For those wishing to explore the history of the Colisée and relive the highlights of this iconic landmark, a stay at BnB Québec is the ideal opportunity to discover this fascinating part of the city’s history while enjoying the comfort of accommodation in the heart of Quebec City.
Colisée Pepsi has played a central role in Quebec City’s cultural and sporting life for over six decades.
Beyond its field hockey games and shows, it has been a place of gathering, pride and emotion for city residents and visitors alike. Its importance in the history of Quebec City is undeniable, and even after its closure, the Colisée continues to occupy a special place in the hearts of Quebecers.
While the city looks to the future with modern infrastructures like the Centre Vidéotron, the Colisée Pepsi remains a monument to the past that deserves to be celebrated and preserved. If you’re planning a visit to Quebec City, take the time to discover the history of this iconic landmark and book your stay at BnB Quebec for an authentic experience in the old capital.
Although now closed to the general public, the Colisée Pepsi remains a powerful symbol of Quebec City’s history. From its construction, to its role in the Nordiques’ epic, to its modernization and replacement by the Centre Vidéotron, this venue has marked generations of Quebecers.
Today, it continues to embody a profound link between the city’s past and present. If you’d like to immerse yourself in this rich history, Québec City still offers many treasures to discover during your stay, starting with a reservation at the BnB Québec.
For more information and to book your stay in Quebec City, visit bnbquebec.com or book directly here.
Thank you for reading. If you have any questions, please call us at (418) 692-0316.
See you at the next blog!
English
Français (French)
