EDDIE IZZARD

NEW OPENING
The VIP boxes are
located on the upper
bowl (left). The
steep bowl design
allows fans excellent
sight lines to the ice
spectacle. At US arenas, we spend a lot of
time designing secondary experiences. In
Canada, it’s all about the sport.
“From the get go, we were really driven
to design a very intimate seating bowl, to
provide fans the best possible sight lines
onto the ice. We wanted to place them as
close as possible to the action and make
the seating bowl as deep as physically
possible. The seating bowl is designed in a
way that it’s probably less accommodating
to get to and from your seat – but once
you’re in, the sight lines are amazing.”
In other words, Populous’ design
fits with the Canadian way of viewing
hockey. Fans are knowledgeable and want
to enjoy the game in close quarters and
they tend not to get up from their seats
for food or drink during the game.
The efforts to place the spectators at
the heart of the action has also affected
the way the arena’s premium seating and
VIP boxes have been designed. Rather
than place the corporate boxes at the top
of the lower bowl, as most arenas do, the
VIP seating areas have been placed at the
bottom of the top bowl – which is often
seen by fans as “less desirable”.
Therefore, the entire lower level is
designated to “normal” seating and can
accommodate up to 10,010 people – more
than 55 per cent of the total capacity.
“This is one of the first facilities where
we’ve incorporated a premium seating
product in the upper bowl,” Clark says.
DESIGN
Quebec City is known for its extreme
temperatures and quick-changing
climate, which inspired Populous
to play with the theme of hot and
cold. Throughout the site, visitors
can experience the warm, cozy
atmosphere of chalets, seamlessly
blended with sleek, chic spaces using
materials such as steel and wood. The
metal coating used in construction
reflects light, mimicking snow or the
waves on the river, while the blue and
white colours throughout pay tribute
to the world-famous Quebec winters.
“The entire upper level is located above
the corporate suites and lounges and has
a capacity of 6,940 people. The design
allowed us to use a steep seating rig, which
still brings those premium seats and suites
close to the ice and provides some really
incredible sight lines.”
The 80 corporate suites are located on
two separate levels and include a wireless
network and a remote connection to the
concession stands. All suites are accessible
through the corporate lounge corridor
and by a separate, VIP elevator. There is
also considerable disabled access, with the
lower bowl offering 26 and the upper 28
wheelchair-accessible seats.
SUSTAINABILITY
The Vidéotron Centre has been LEED
certified at the silver level, thanks to its
many sustainable solutions – which include
energy-saving practices and reduced
water consumption across the venue.
Vidéotron has adopted an innovative
approach to controlling and managing
rainwater, with the aim of limiting
pollution of natural waterways by reducing
impervious ground surfaces, increasing
ground infiltration and reducing or
eliminating pollution from rainwater
runoff. The building envelope has also
been equipped with air and vapour
barriers, protecting it against air leakage
and diffusion and ensuring its longevity.
IMPACT
Centre Vidéotron has had an immediate
impact on Quebec’s entertainment
landscape. It hosted its first major concert
on 16 September – when rock band
Metallica played to a capacity audience
– signalling its new role as the city’s
leading indoor venue. The centre has also
secured a permanent ice hockey tenant,
giving fans a taster of what a future
NHL franchise would mean. The Quebec
Remparts – who play in the Quebec Major
Junior Hockey League – will play its home
games at the new venue at least until the
return of a professional team. For the
people of Quebec, that moment can’t
come soon enough. ●
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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015