The oldest arena in Montréal, Verdun Auditorium has been the pride and joy of Verdun’s residents for almost a century. Originally built during the Great Depression, it first opened its doors on November 9, 1939. It has recently been renovated with a $44 million spectacular facelift requiring its temporary closure for four years. Having had different vocations over the years, such as being occupied by the Canadian Armed Forces and being home to many sport teams, notably in the hockey world, this historical building now plays host to the Montréal Alliance of the Canadian Elite Basketball League and the Montréal Force of the Premier Hockey Federation. Located in the world’s 11th “coolest” neighbourhood according to Time Out magazine, the auditorium has been a contributing factor to the sense of pride for the people of Verdun. The symbolic and historic building has two skating rinks and spaces, one of which was named in honour of Scotty Bowman and the other, in honour of Denis Savard.