Questions linger about the Montreal Olympic Stadium. What was once a symbol of Montreal’s ambition is now a subject of debate. Welcome to the Olympic Stadium. It is more affectionately known as “The Big O”. Some people call it “The Big Owe”. This name reflects the financial burden it placed on the city.
Built for the 1976 Summer Olympics, the Olympic Stadium’s story is one of architectural vision and financial woes. The stadium was designed by French architect Roger Taillibert. His plan included a retractable roof. The roof was to be supported by a massive inclined tower. This tower stands 175 meters high. It is the world’s tallest inclined structure.
However, construction delays and strikes plagued the project. The Olympic Stadium was not finished in time for the 1976 games. The retractable roof was not completed until 1987. The roof could only be opened and closed 88 times.
The Montreal Olympic Stadium was intended to be a multi-purpose venue. After the Olympics, it became home to Montreal’s baseball and football teams. The Montreal Expos played baseball here from 1977 to 2004. The Montreal Alouettes played football here until 2012.
One unique feature is the Montreal Tower. An elevator ascends along the tower’s curved spine. The cabin remains level. Passengers enjoy panoramic views. From the top, one can see the Olympic Village. The Biodome and Botanical Gardens are also visible.
Financing the Olympic Stadium became a major issue. Initial projections estimated a cost of C$134 million. The final cost ballooned to C$1.61 billion. This made it one of the most expensive stadiums ever built. A special tobacco tax was introduced to help pay off the debt. It took over 30 years to pay off the stadium’s costs.
Despite its problems, the Olympic Stadium has hosted many events. Pink Floyd attracted the largest paid crowd. Over 78000 people attended their 1977 concert. The stadium has also hosted Grey Cup games. It also hosted a World Boxing Championship fight.
Continuing problems have included roof damage. The roof has experienced numerous rips. This has led to closures and repairs. There have been plans for a new roof. Demolishing the stadium would also be costly.
The Olympic Stadium is connected to the Pie-IX metro station. This provides easy access for visitors. The stadium’s main room is the largest in Quebec. It covers 43504 square meters.
The Olympic Stadium remains a landmark. It is a symbol of Montreal’s Olympic legacy. Though it carries a complex history, the stadium continues to host events. It welcomes visitors from around the world. The Big O stands as a testament to grand ambitions. It also serves as a reminder of financial realities.