End of an era: Former home of the Quebec Nordiques, the Colisée, will be demolished

The former home of the Quebec Nordiques, the Colisée de Quebec, will de demolished.

The former home of the Quebec Nordiques, the Colisée de Québec, will be demolished.

The home of so many hockey highlights has been used as a storage space for the past decade. The seats are now covered in dust, and it’s at the end of its life.

Originally built in 1949, it was dubbed “The House that Beliveau Built,” as the legendary Habs captain drew massive crowds playing for the Quebec Aces.

Colisee de Quebec The Colisee de Quebec was built in 1949 and eventually became the home of the Quebec Nordiques in the 1970s. (Quebec City Archives)

It became the Nordiques’ home in 1972, as fans flocked to the WHA and then the NHL franchise.

“The ambiance, the atmosphere was quite amazing,” said “Il Était Une Fois Les Nordiques” author Pierre-Yves Dumont. “It was amazing for a younger fan like me to go watch a game.”

Quebec Nordiques The Quebec Nordiques called the Colisee de Quebec their home for the team's entire life. (Quebec City Archives)

The rivalry with Montreal came naturally, especially for Montreal Canadiens fans born in Quebec City, such as radio host Vincent Cauchon.

“It was an opportunity for the people actually to battle with Montreal,” said the Nordiques Nation co-founder. “People were so proud of the Nordiques.”

In addition to the Nordiques, the arena hosted the World Juniors and Rendez-Vous ’87, pitting the NHL’s best against the Soviet Union.

In the 1980s, the arena underwent major renovations, increasing its capacity to over 15,000, meaning it met the standards of a professional rink at the time.

It, however, still held its unique charm.

“The stands were so steep. You were very close to the action, the fans could smell the players and the players could feel the fans,” said Dumont.

Legendary game in Quebec City The Nordiques arena, the Colisee de Quebec, had a unique charm with steep stairs and an intense atmosphere. (Quebec City Archives)

The arena played host to other moments of hockey history, including Guy Lafleur’s return home in 1989 and as a launching pad for the careers of stars such as Peter Stastny, Mats Sundin and Joe Sakic.

However, after the 1994-95 NHL lockout, the Nordiques left for Colorado in 1995.

The Colisée closed in 2015, the same year the new Centre Vidéotron opened next door.

The hope was to build a new arena and for a pro team to come.

“I’m always going to have hope for the Nordiques. I mean, this is the town that’s crazy about hockey,” said Cauchon.

It will take two years to tear down the Colisee, and it will cost around $20 million.

“It’s a very special hockey place here, it will always be that... always,” said Cauchon.

After 76 years, for Quebec City hockey fans, it’s the end of an era.