PNE Forum

“Did anyone catch that hockey game last night?” The PNE Forum, once echoing with the roar of cheering fans, stands before you. This unassuming building holds within its walls a legacy of sporting triumphs, musical legends, and historical echoes. The PNE Forum, originally dubbed the Automotive and Ice Rink Building, first opened its doors in 1931. It quickly became a hub for Vancouver’s vibrant entertainment scene and a testament to the city’s enduring spirit. Imagine the electric atmosphere in 1936 when the PNE Forum became Vancouver’s primary indoor sports venue after the tragic fire that destroyed the Denman Arena. The Forum, with its capacity of 5,050, became synonymous with the thrill of hockey, hosting the Vancouver Canucks of both the Pacific Coast Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. Legends like Andy Bathgate, Johnny Bower, and Emile Francis graced its ice, their names forever etched in the Forum’s history. The PNE Forum wasn’t just about sports. The building has throbbed with the energy of countless concerts. In 1948, Bing Crosby himself filled the arena, drawing a record-breaking crowd of 9,000 fans. Decades later, the echoes of rock and roll legends like Nirvana, Jane’s Addiction, and Soundgarden would reverberate through the same space. Even today, The PNE Forum continues to host a diverse range of events, from alternative and indie bands to trade shows. Though the roar of the crowd may have softened over time, the PNE Forum remains a testament to Vancouver’s rich cultural tapestry, a silent sentinel guarding the memories of a city’s past.