Colisée Pepsi — historic arena in Quebec City

History and identity

Built in the late 1940s, the building began its life as the Colisée de Québec and later adopted the name Colisée Pepsi when corporate naming rights were sold. Over time it became closely associated with several local and professional hockey clubs. The arena was the home rink of the junior club Quebec Remparts, participants in the QMJHL, and from the 1970s until the mid-1990s it housed the professional club the Quebec Nordiques, which played in the WHA and later the NHL.

Professional teams and relocation

The Nordiques were the city’s flagship professional team for more than two decades. Economic and ownership pressures led to their relocation in 1995 to Denver, Colorado, where the franchise was rebranded as the Avalanche. After the departure of that NHL club the Colisée continued as a venue for junior hockey, smaller pro events and cultural uses.

Notable events

Beyond regular-season club play, the arena hosted several high-profile hockey competitions. It staged the 1971 Memorial Cup final series in which the Remparts defeated the Edmonton Oil Kings. Internationally significant games were also played there: the first game of the 1974 Summit Series between WHA all-stars and the Soviet national team, and single games during the 1976 and 1991 Canada Cup tournaments. The facility also welcomed touring musical acts, exhibitions and community events across its decades of operation.

Design, facilities and uses

The Colisée was designed primarily for ice sports but functioned as a flexible arena. Typical features included an ice surface adaptable for hockey and skating, tiered seating for spectators, and ancillary spaces for team operations and event support. Throughout its life it hosted:

• Junior and professional hockey games
• International and national tournament matches
• Concerts, shows and trade fairs
• Community and cultural events

Legacy and later status

As urban needs and expectations for arenas evolved, the Colisée lost prominence as top-tier professional sports venues shifted to newer facilities. A modern downtown arena opened in the 2010s to serve major events, and the Colisée was gradually retired from full-time professional use. Its long run—stretching from the post‑war era into the 21st century—left a lasting mark on Quebec City’s sporting and cultural history, remembered for important hockey moments and its role as a community gathering place.

For further reading about the teams, tournaments and the arena’s role in regional sport and culture, follow links associated with clubs, leagues and the city authorities listed above.