**CONFIRMED: Montreal Canadiens Owner Geoff Molson Approves \$689.5 Million Stadium Project Restructure Following Infrastructure Disaster**
In a bold and necessary move, **Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson** has officially approved a **\$689.5 million stadium project restructure**, aiming to modernize and fortify the **Bell Centre** after a string of alarming infrastructure failures shook confidence in one of the NHL’s most iconic venues.
The decision follows a recent incident in which a portion of the upper-level ceiling structure showed signs of distress during a non-game day inspection, prompting emergency evaluations and safety reviews. While no fans or personnel were harmed, the incident raised serious concerns about the long-term structural integrity of the building — originally opened in 1996 and now nearly 30 years old.
According to Molson’s statement released early Saturday morning, the project will focus on **comprehensive upgrades to the Bell Centre’s roofing system, seating architecture, plumbing, HVAC, and concourse layout**, alongside ambitious enhancements to fan experience amenities such as digital displays, lounges, and interactive entertainment zones.
> “Our fans deserve the absolute best — not just on the ice, but in the safety, comfort, and pride they feel in their stadium,” Molson said. “The Bell Centre has been our home for decades, but the time has come for a bold reinvestment. We are not patching over cracks — we are reimagining the entire experience.”
Molson emphasized that the Canadiens will **not relocate** during the renovations, which will occur in carefully phased construction cycles to ensure that home games can continue to be played at the Bell Centre throughout the 2025 and 2026 seasons. A team of engineers and architects has been assembled to lead the project, many of whom were previously involved in the \$800 million Madison Square Garden transformation in New York.
> “Safety is non-negotiable,” said Canadiens President of Operations France Margaret Bélanger. “This isn’t just a facelift — it’s a full-scale modernization for both functionality and future growth.”
The funding for the restructure is expected to come from a combination of **private investment**, **naming rights expansions**, and **provincial infrastructure support**. Early estimates suggest that the renovations will not only strengthen the structure but also significantly enhance revenue potential through expanded premium seating, revamped retail space, and more efficient operational systems.
Fans have reacted to the news with a mix of relief and excitement. Many were quick to point out that while the Bell Centre has remained one of the league’s most atmospheric arenas, it was beginning to show signs of age — especially when compared to newer arenas like Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena or Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.
> “We all want the Canadiens to win another Stanley Cup, but this kind of long-term investment proves the organization is thinking beyond just one season,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “It’s about protecting the franchise’s legacy and future.”
Construction is slated to begin in late summer 2025, with full project completion expected by the start of the 2027–28 season — just in time for what many hope will be a new golden era in Montreal Canadiens hockey.
