The "Black Seat" Era
Following a $150 million renovation (2024 to 2026), Rogers Arena reseated its bowl in matte black. The dark seating absorbs ambient light, making the ice and stage "pop" for high-contrast broadcast visuals. The arena remains home to the Canucks (NHL) and the Vancouver Warriors (NLL).
From GM Place to Rogers Arena
The arena broke ground on July 13, 1993 and opened on September 21, 1995 at a cost of about CA$160 million, designed by the firm Brisbin, Brook and Beynon to replace the Pacific Coliseum as Vancouver's main indoor arena. It carried the name General Motors Place until July 6, 2010, when Rogers Communications took over the naming rights. From 1995 until its final home game on April 14, 2001, the building also housed the NBA's Vancouver Grizzlies, before that franchise moved to Memphis. Bryan Adams played the first concert here on September 19, 1995.
Olympic Heritage
Opened in 1995 as "The Garage," the arena served as Canada Hockey Place during the 2010 Winter Olympics. It remains the home of the "Golden Goal".
Integrated Hospitality
The arena features The Sportsbar Live!, a dining venue built directly into the structure with open sightlines to the bowl. It offers a "hybrid" experience where fans can dine on steak frites while watching the game live.
Urban Engineering
Built directly into the Georgia and Dunsmuir Viaducts, the arena features entries at multiple elevations to manage downtown density. This constraint limits horizontal expansion, forcing all amenities to be "stacked" vertically within the existing envelope.
