Opened in 1968 the Pacific Coliseum stands before us a monument to Vancouver’s sporting and cultural history. It is locally known as The Coliseum or the Rink on Renfrew. This arena has been the heart of countless unforgettable moments.
The Pacific Coliseum was built on the site of the Pacific National Exhibition. Its simple geometric shape makes it an example of formalist architecture. W. K. Noppe designed it in 1966 and 1967. The Pacific Coliseum was built to attract an NHL franchise to Vancouver.
Originally the Pacific Coliseum held 15038 for ice hockey. Now it holds 16281. The Coliseum has been renovated several times. These renovations improved accessibility seating and the ice surface. These upgrades ensured the arena was ready for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
For many years the Pacific Coliseum was home to the Vancouver Canucks. The Canucks played their first NHL game here on October 9 1970. The Los Angeles Kings defeated the Canucks 3–1. Bob Berry of the Kings scored the first goal. Barry Wilkins scored the first goal for the Canucks.
The Canucks played their final game in the Pacific Coliseum on May 27 1995. The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Canucks 4–3. The Blackhawks swept the Canucks out of the 1995 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Chris Chelios of the Blackhawks scored the final NHL goal in the arena. Roman Oksiuta scored the Canucks’ last goal in the building.
The Coliseum hosted two Stanley Cup Finals in 1982 and 1994. Former owner Arthur Griffiths called the sixth game of the 1994 series “The greatest game ever played at the Pacific Coliseum”. After the Canucks left the WHL Vancouver Giants called the Pacific Coliseum home from 2001 to 2016.
The Pacific Coliseum has hosted many other events. It hosted the fourth game of the 1972 Summit Series. The Soviet Union defeated Canada 5–3. Phil Esposito voiced his displeasure with the Vancouver crowd’s reaction to their loss.
Muhammad Ali fought George Chuvalo here in 1972. The Pacific Coliseum hosted figure skating and short-track speed skating during the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Many famous musical acts have performed at the Pacific Coliseum. Jimi Hendrix Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones all played here. ABBA KISS and Bob Marley also performed at the Coliseum. David Bowie filmed his Serious Moonlight Tour performances here.
The Pacific Coliseum has also appeared in movies and television shows. The movie Miracle filmed its Madison Square Garden scene here. The dog show scenes from Best in Show were also filmed here.
In early 2023 the Pacific Coliseum retired its scoreclock. It donated it to the Sunshine Coast Junior Hockey Society. LED lighting was installed around the exterior walls. This allows the arena to light up with different colors. These colors recognize different events dates and occasions.
The Pacific Coliseum continues to be a venue for a variety of events. Its history and architecture make it a unique and important landmark in Vancouver. As we stand here we can almost hear the echoes of cheering fans and roaring crowds. The Pacific Coliseum is more than just a building. It is a place where memories are made and legends are born.