This week I ended up in Centre Bell twice to see hockey match and then a concert. Similar visit frequency calls for a review.
Centre Bell is an arena of a kind. It is modern and well maintained facility. Not too many cities in North America have the luxury to have an arena downtown that is easily accessible through public transportation with comfortable entrances to the subway. Montreal is one of these lucky cities. The downside is parking is relatively expensive if you want to use the parking lot of Centre Bell.
The arena accommodates the biggest rock and pop concerts in the city as well as the traditional Christmas shows of Cirque du Soleil. Going for a concert there is always a pleasure as the Montreal public is one of the friendliest in the world. But what is even more impressive is to visit Centre Bell for a hockey match. Nothing compares with the Montreal hockey public nor with the vibe of this place during the game. For those visiting the city or who just moved in, go to a hockey game in Centre Bell, it is really an unique experience. Tickets can be obtained the last moment from Internet at prices that are somehow affordable. You can also buy them after the game has started from the scalpers, but who wants to miss the moment when the players enter the rink. I rarely have the chance to sit near by the ice, buying ticket in the 300 sections is still OK and it actually offers very good view of the hockey field.
The arena has a lot of food and drink counters, and yes the beer and spirits in general are ridiculously expensive, but this is the case with most of the arenas anyway.
Must try!