By Francois Ferland,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Montreal – McGill Stadium is not what it used to be – it’s even better! Following the many months of detailed construction, the renovated home of the Alouettes can now take its rightful place in the great sports history the city of Montreal has to offer. It brings new meaning to the organization and of course, Montreal architecture.
Among the improvements added to the near 100-year old stadium (the original infrastructure of the stadium was erected in 1914) are 5,000 new seats – bringing the attendance level up to 25,012; the addition of 19 permanent loges on the north side of the stadium – bringing that total up to 21; a new entrance on the east side of the stadium featuring a new and permanent ticket office that’s equipped with an environmentally-friendly roof, and the Builders’ Promenade featuring a wall of engraved bricks purchased by fans, team alumni and companies alike.
As detailed a project as the expansion may have been, it was completed through an architectural concept where elegance and modernity combine with the historic character of the building.
Collective pride
Claude Rochon, Vice President of Marketing and Communications with the Alouettes, fittingly described the process that began a few years ago into organizing McGill Stadium’s major expansion.
“The completion of the project truly embodies and entrenches the Alouettes in Montreal, its life and dynamism,” he said after watching the Als beat the Toronto Argonauts 31-23 in its second and final pre-season match of 2010.
Rightfully so, Rochon, who piloted the project with various levels of government, McGill University authorities and Les amis de le montagne, is convinced that the stadium and the history of professional football in Montreal have entered a new era. “Our organization is proud of how beautifully our plan was executed,” he said. “Fans whom I have spoken with have also expressed their pride in the new stadium and at what has been achieved. It’s a more complete and professional look, but still has the intimacy that appeals to our supporters.
“Our fans will enjoy watching the game with an exceptional view, regardless of where they sit and we’re also very happy that the integrity of Mount Royal was preserved. The stadium is in perfect harmony with Montreal and the character of its buildings.”
“The retro architectural elements featured in the new eastern entrance to the stadium add to the stadium’s historical value,” said Mark Weightman, Vice President of Operations and Events with the Alouettes. “It joins the elements that help characterize Mount Royal. The new building (and decorative elements coming soon) not only tells our fans the history of the Alouettes, but of Montreal as well.”
Desriveaux: “Excited for July 22”
“The idea of playing in a new stadium is a really exciting feeling,” said receiver Danny Desriveaux who caught a touchdown pass in Saturday’s pre-season win against Toronto. “It reminds me of my university days. I’m sure the fans are in for a huge party come July 22.”
Like Desriveaux, safety Étienne Boulay also expressed his excitement towards the official opening of the Stadium in July. “The stadium has a more professional look now, and it’s going to be extremely loud during games, almost like having an extra teammate!”
Boulay also spoke of the historic aspect of the stadium, which is accentuated in the changes made. “The fact that they chose to elaborate on the historical side of the building really shows the class of the organization. I still maintain the dream of wearing the Alouettes colours, it’s still alive,” he said.
“This is an experience I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” said rookie Marc-Olivier Brouillette.
Fans are excited
Two fans interviewed after the game against the Argonauts also expressed their satisfaction with the renovations. “The improvements are obvious,” said Georges Vanier, a Laval native who’s been an Als fan for over 40 years.
“What they did is nothing short of amazing,” said Tony Paolucci, a Montrealer who’s been a season ticket holder for 10 years. “I also like how they preserved the intimate atmosphere that we enjoyed so much before the renovations.”
Notes
– The renovations cost $ 29,355,000. From which $19,331,065 came from the Government of Quebec along with $4,000,000 from the City of Montreal. The Alouettes owner Robert Wetenhall has personally contributed $ 6,023,935.
– More than 350 bricks were sold for the wall on the Builder’s Promenade, whose first phase is now complete. The beginning of the second phase remains to be determined. Purchasing a brick counts as a tax credit.
