This is a very cool place. I was last here to see game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals between the Habs and the Bruins in 2011. Montreal had taken the first two games in Beantown and the series moved to the Bell for game 3. It was my first playoff hockey game on Canadian soil, and to say that that I was excited is an understatement.
I had purchased seats in an area where food was included in your ticket price. I figured I'd gorge myself while watching an awesome game. The atmosphere was really electric. When they dimmed the lights and started the introductions, the roar of the crowd was so loud that the entire place was vibrating!
It really was an exciting place to watch a hockey game. Until the Bruins scored 3 minutes into the first period. That really took the wind out of the sails of the fans. Then they scored again later in the first period. The Bruins were up by 3 until the Habs finally scored in the 2nd period ,but by that time, the crowd was demoralized. it didn't really get loud again and I found that disappointing.
However, the arena is still pretty cool. I found it easy to get around and I could walk underground from my hotel to it so I didn't have to wear a big heavy coat and lug it around at the game.
Oh, I also got to see Youppi! who I remembered fondly from Expo games. Love that guy!
The Canadiens Hall of Fame is at the Bell Centre too. There's a separate admission required for that, but I really enjoyed visiting there as well.
Very nice arena, but as a Leafs fan, I have to say it's no ACC.