Olympic Stadium (Stade Olympique de Montréal)

The Olympic Stadium (Stade Olympique de Montréal) is Montreal’s multi-purpose stadium that was built as the main venue for the 1976 Summer Olympics. The Olympic Stadium is the centerpiece of the Montreal Olympic Park (Parc Olympique Montréal). Nicknamed The Big O, the Olympic Stadium features a retractable roof and a seating capacity of 56,000 people.

Home of the Montreal Expos and Montreal Alouettes

The Olympic Stadium was the home of the Montreal Expos, Montreal’s professional baseball team that has since moved to Washington, D.C. It was also the former home of the Canadian Football League (CFL) team, the Alouettes before they relocated to the Molson Stadium. The Montreal Alouettes continue to use the Olympic Stadium for playoff games.

Trade Shows and Exhibitions

Montreal’s Olympic Stadium is the largest exhibition center in Canada. Although the Olympic Stadium is mainly used for exhibitions and trade shows, there are various special events held at the Olympic stadium. Some of the events held at the Olympic Stadium include sporting events, concerts and exhibitions.

The Montreal Tower

The Olympic Stadium is one of Montreal’s most popular attractions. Each year, the stadium attracts nearly 2.5 million visitors. It’s landmark tower, known as the Montreal Tower (La tour de Montréal), is the largest inclined tower in the world. At 175 meters (626 feet), the tower features impressive views of Montreal.

Access to the Olympic Stadium

The Olympic Stadium can be accessed from the Pie IX metro station. Various guided tours of the Olympic Stadium are provided year-round. Attractions located near the Olympic Stadium include the Montreal Botanical Garden and the Biodome.

Images of the Olympic Stadium

Montreal Olympic Stadium at Night (Wikimedia)

Montreal Olympic Stadium from the Back (Wikimedia)

Montreal Olympic Stadium at Night from the air (Wikimedia)