Olympic Stadium | Montreal

Olympic Stadium, also known as the Stade Olympique, is one of Montreal's most iconic landmarks. It was built for the 1976 Summer Olympics, which were hosted by the city. The stadium is famous for its unique and futuristic architectural design, its association with the Olympics, and its role as a multi-purpose venue for sporting events, concerts, and cultural gatherings.

Overview

Location: Stade Olympique is situated in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighborhood of Montreal, within the Olympic Park (Parc Olympique).

Opening Date: It officially opened in 1976 as the main venue for the Olympic Games.

Architectural Design: The stadium was designed by French architect Roger Taillibert. Its most distinctive feature is its tilted roof supported by a large concrete tower that functions as a sports observation tower and a landmark of the city.

Nickname: It is often affectionately called the "Big O" due to its shape and the fact that it was originally envisioned as the centerpiece of the Olympic Games.

Architecture and Structure

The Tower

The most striking feature of the Olympic Stadium is the Olympic Tower, which is the tallest inclined tower in the world. It stands at 175 meters (574 feet) high and leans at a 45-degree angle.

The tower is designed to look like a mast, and it is one of the major attractions of the stadium complex. Visitors can take an elevator to the top for panoramic views of Montreal.

The Roof

The roof of the Olympic Stadium is another notable architectural feature. Initially, it was intended to be a retractable roof, but due to budget constraints and technical issues, it was permanently fixed.

The roof is made of Teflon-coated fiberglass, which gives it a modern and sleek appearance. The roof covers the stadium's playing field and is supported by a series of cables.

The Stadium Bowl

The seating capacity of the stadium has varied over the years. Originally, it could seat up to 56,000 spectators, but it has been reduced to around 50,000 for sporting events and up to 66,000 for concerts.

The stadium features a large open-air bowl for sporting events, with some seating under the roof to protect from the elements.

Historical Significance

1976 Summer Olympics: The Olympic Stadium was built specifically to host the 1976 Summer Olympics. It was the primary venue for many Olympic events, including athletics, soccer, and the opening and closing ceremonies.

Cost Overruns: The construction of the stadium faced significant delays and cost overruns, with the original budget ballooning well beyond expectations. The project was initially estimated to cost $134 million, but by the time it was completed, the total cost reached around $1.61 billion (adjusted for inflation). This has led to the stadium being humorously referred to as the "Big Owe" by locals due to the financial burden it placed on the city.

Multi-Purpose Venue

Though the Olympic Stadium was originally built for the Olympics, it has since been used for a wide variety of events, including professional sports, concerts, cultural events, and community activities.

Sports Events

Baseball: The stadium was home to the Montreal Expos Major League Baseball team from 1977 to 2004. During this time, the stadium was often criticized for its poor field conditions, as the stadium was not originally designed for baseball. Nonetheless, it remains an important part of Montreal’s sports history.

Football: The stadium has hosted various Canadian football games and has been home to the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in the past.

Soccer: The Olympic Stadium has hosted various international soccer matches, including games during the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

Track and Field: As a venue built for the Olympics, the stadium is still used for track and field events, hosting events like the Canadian Track and Field Championships.

Concerts and Cultural Events

The Olympic Stadium is a popular venue for large concerts and cultural events due to its large seating capacity. Artists like The Rolling Stones, U2, Cirque du Soleil, and Metallica have performed at the stadium.

The stadium has also hosted major cultural festivals, public celebrations, and art exhibitions, making it a key venue for Montreal’s cultural scene.

Expositions and Trade Shows

The stadium is often used for large expositions and trade shows, with plenty of space for exhibitors and visitors. The surrounding area, including the Olympic Village and the Esplanade, is also used for events and public gatherings.

The Olympic Park Complex

The Olympic Park (Parc Olympique), where the Olympic Stadium is located, is a large public park that encompasses a variety of attractions and facilities.

Biodome: Originally built as part of the 1976 Olympics, the Biodome is now a part of the Space for Life (Espace pour la Vie), a large science and nature complex. It simulates different ecosystems, including the tropical rainforest and polar regions.

La Ronde: La Ronde is a major amusement park that’s located adjacent to the Olympic Stadium. It is a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers and offers a variety of rides, including roller coasters and water rides.

The Planetarium: The Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, located nearby, offers visitors interactive exhibits and shows related to astronomy and space exploration.

Esplanade: The Esplanade surrounding the stadium is a large, open area that’s often used for festivals, concerts, and other public events.

The Future of the Stadium

Over the years, the Olympic Stadium has undergone various renovations and improvements to maintain its status as a major sports and event venue. Though it has had mixed reviews regarding its design and functionality, it remains a symbol of Montreal’s Olympic legacy.

In recent years, the stadium has also faced criticism over its underutilization. Despite its historical significance and grandeur, it has struggled to maintain a steady stream of events and consistent revenue. However, efforts continue to breathe new life into the stadium, with plans to host more concerts, sports events, and community activities in the future.

Conclusion

The Olympic Stadium is an essential part of Montreal's cultural and sporting history. While it was initially designed to be a world-class venue for the 1976 Summer Olympics, its unique architecture, massive size, and legacy have made it a significant landmark for the city. Today, it continues to serve as a multi-purpose venue, hosting a wide range of events, while also standing as a reminder of Montreal’s role in the global sporting community. Whether you’re visiting to catch a game, attend a concert, or simply marvel at its design, the Olympic Stadium remains one of the city’s defining structures.