It’s the silver anniversary of one of Prince George’s most recognizable public facilities.
The CN Centre is turning 25 years old this week as the premier sports and entertainment arena across the region, hosting a slew of acts for local residents to enjoy.
It opened in September 1995, then known as the Prince George Multiplex, a year after the city was granted a hockey team for the Western Hockey League (WHL) as the Victoria Cougars were on the move.
CN bought the naming rights to the rink on Ospika Boulevard in 2005.
The $21.7-million facility broke ground in April 1994, was completed by PCL Construction and designed by PBK Architects, Inc.
The Cougars continue to be the CN Centre’s main tenant, for which games can seat up to 5,582 fans, but can be stretched to roughly 7,000 for concerts and shows.
In the past quarter-century, the building has welcomed many world-renown musical acts, including (in alphabetical order by first name):
- Alice Cooper
- Avril Lavigne
- BB King
- Bob Dylan
- Carrie Underwood
- Elton John
- Flo Rida
- Keith Urban
- Elton John
- Kenny Rogers
- KISS
- Rascal Flatts
- Shania Twain
- The Tragically Hip
- ZZ Top
The arena has also played host to several sporting events:
- 2018 Brett Connolly's Stanley Cup celebration
- 2017 National Under-18 AAA Hockey Championship (TELUS Cup)
- 2016 Canada-Russia Super Series
- 2015 Canada Winter Games
- 2015 Vancouver Canucks Training Camp
- 2010 Canadian Major Indoor Soccer League
- 2007 National Jr. ‘A’ Hockey Championship (RBC Cup)
Perhaps one of its biggest tournaments would have been the 2020 World Women’s Curling Championships back in March, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced organizers to cancel.
The CN Centre also helps house several local shows and conventions like the Northern BC Home and Garden Show and Northern FanCon.
What’s your biggest memory at the CN Centre thus far? Was it a game? A concert? A show? Share them by commenting below or send photos with descriptions to [email protected].
