Quebec Remparts
Rink: Centre Videotron
Capacity: 18,259
Built: 2015
League: QMJHL
City: Quebec City, Quebec
Home Of: Quebec Remparts
Games Attended: 1
Only Game: November 3, 2022 vs Chicoutimi Saguenéens
Unique Arena: #58
QMJHL Arena: #14
Everything about going to a game in Quebec City makes it feel like an NHL game. That includes the walk up to this building that looks more like a spaceship than an arena. I don’t mean this in a negative way. It feels like an important place or like a giant club. Like the pro experience, expect to pay for parking though. There’s plenty of it on site, but it will cost you $10. Also, if you’re planning to go to a restaurant or pub before the game, don’t park at the game first because unfortunately there isn’t anything within reasonable walking distance.
Let’s be very clear. This is not a junior hockey arena. This rink was built in the hopes of the NHL and the Nordiques someday returning to Quebec City, which I’m not against but also not sure it’s a slam dunk either.
In the meantime, what we have is the most overqualified junior-only rink in the CHL, possibly the world. I’m told by my good friend Kevin that as far as NHL rinks go Quebec would be middle of the road. Not the best but far from the worst. As far as a junior building goes its outstanding.
The lower bowl is a bit steeper than most you see in an NHL-sized building, so all seats offer a good view. The upper bowl, which unfortunately was closed off for my visit, seems impossibly steep and would I’m sure offer a fantastic view of the ice.
The lower bowl concourse like many junior rinks is open and goes around the top of the bowl, offering a view of the game constantly. It is very very wide and offers a ton of different concession stands and things to see. Also, the entire history of the Remparts year by year (old and new versions) are on one of the walls in one end of the building.
A professional grade rink offers a professional grade show, and the fan base is among the largest and most passionate in the CHL. Unfortunately, a crowd of just under 7,900 still feels lackluster in such a large building. The game we saw being a bit of a dud likely didn’t help. The Remparts do fill the building sometimes though, and I’d imagine the place is rocking on those nights.
I want to thank Felix from the Remparts for allowing me up to press row for this awesome shot during the 3rd period.
This rink was built for the NHL, but the Remparts for now and for well into the future reap the rewards. From the massive team store to the countless fan zones, concessions and high-end suites this place is pretty damn impressive.
Games Attened
November 3, 2022: Quebec 3 – Chicoutimi 1