| • Former Montreal ballparks • Olympic Stadium Montreal, Quebec |
Tenants: Montreal Expos (NL 1977-2004); Montreal Alouettes (CFL 1976-1997)
Groundbreaking: April 28, 1973
Olympic Games opening ceremony: July 17, 1976
First CFL game: September 26, 1976
First National League game: April 15, 1977 (Phi 7, Mon 2; Att - 57,592)
Last National League game: September 29, 2004
Surface: Astroturf (1977-2002); AstroGrass (2003-04)
Baseball seating capacity: 58,000 (1977); 46,406 (2004)
Architect: Roger Taillibert (Paris, France)
Engineers: Les Consultants du Stade de Montréal
Owner: City of Montreal
Original cost: $770 million Canadian.
Total cost to date: More than $1 billion Canadian.
Dimensions:
Foul lines: 325 ft. (1977), 330 ft. (1981), 325 ft. (1983)
Power alleys: 375 ft.
Centre field: 404 ft. (1977), 400 ft. (1981), 404 ft. (1983)
Fences: 12 ft. high
Hosted World Series: Never
Hosted All-Star Game: 1982
Hosted Olympic Games: 1976
Groundbreaking: April 28, 1973
Olympic Games opening ceremony: July 17, 1976
First CFL game: September 26, 1976
First National League game: April 15, 1977 (Phi 7, Mon 2; Att - 57,592)
Last National League game: September 29, 2004
Surface: Astroturf (1977-2002); AstroGrass (2003-04)
Baseball seating capacity: 58,000 (1977); 46,406 (2004)
Architect: Roger Taillibert (Paris, France)
Engineers: Les Consultants du Stade de Montréal
Owner: City of Montreal
Original cost: $770 million Canadian.
Total cost to date: More than $1 billion Canadian.
Dimensions:
Foul lines: 325 ft. (1977), 330 ft. (1981), 325 ft. (1983)
Power alleys: 375 ft.
Centre field: 404 ft. (1977), 400 ft. (1981), 404 ft. (1983)
Fences: 12 ft. high
Hosted World Series: Never
Hosted All-Star Game: 1982
Hosted Olympic Games: 1976
Recommended Reading List
Click on titles for more info
The History of the Montreal Expos
Michael E. Goodman
The Ultimate Baseball Road-Trip
by Joshua Pahigian, Kevin O'Connell
Fodor's Baseball Vacations: Great Family Trips to Minor League and Classic Major League Ballparks Across
America
by Bruce Adams
America's Ballparks
by Kenneth Hogan
Ballparks of North America: A Comprehensive Historical Reference to Baseball Grounds, Yards and Stadiums, 1845
to Present
by Michael Benson
Storied Stadiums: Baseball's History Through Its Ballparks
by Curt Smith
Click on titles for more info
The History of the Montreal Expos
Michael E. Goodman
The Ultimate Baseball Road-Trip
by Joshua Pahigian, Kevin O'Connell
Fodor's Baseball Vacations: Great Family Trips to Minor League and Classic Major League Ballparks Across
America
by Bruce Adams
America's Ballparks
by Kenneth Hogan
Ballparks of North America: A Comprehensive Historical Reference to Baseball Grounds, Yards and Stadiums, 1845
to Present
by Michael Benson
Storied Stadiums: Baseball's History Through Its Ballparks
by Curt Smith
| Home Page - Table of Contents - Feedback Copyright MMV BallparkTour |
The immense quadrilateral where the Olympic Stadium is now located was first chosen in the 1930s by Montreal
mayor Camilien Houde to be the site of the Empire Games. The onset of the Second World War, however, put an
end to the project before it could get off the ground.
On December 4, 1969 - just months after the close of the Expos' inaugural season at Jarry Park - Montreal mayor
Jean Drapeau officially nominated the city as host for the 1976 Olympic Games. On May 12, 1970, the International
Olympic Committee announced its decision to award the Games to Montreal. The quadrilateral was brought back
to life.
On February 3, 1973, the Olympic Games' organizing committee took the first critical steps toward the
construction of the myriad of venues. On April 28th, excavation work began on the Olympic Park. As the months
went by, construction progressed steadily, but in May 1975, the workers' union went on strike and did not return
until the following October 26th, at which point the project was months behind schedule.
On November 20, 1975, the Quebec National Assembly adopted Bill 81, which saw the creation of the Olympic
Installations Board (OIB), a committee whose task it was to oversee the completion of the Olympic Park. By May
15, 1976, it had become necessary to create several temporary installations for various facilities due to the delays
in the construction of the stadium.
Though Olympic Stadium was still unfinished, it was unveiled to the world on July 17, 1976, for the opening
ceremonies of the 21st Olympiad. Olympic Park was officially inaugurated, yet it was still far from complete.
Nevertheless, the public demanded that the facilities be used immediately following the investment of their tax
dollars, and so, on September 26, 1976 - a month and a half after the Olympic Games - the Montreal Alouettes of
the Canadian Football League helped redefine Olympic Stadium as a venue that would be home to a wide variety of
sporting and cultural events.
mayor Camilien Houde to be the site of the Empire Games. The onset of the Second World War, however, put an
end to the project before it could get off the ground.
On December 4, 1969 - just months after the close of the Expos' inaugural season at Jarry Park - Montreal mayor
Jean Drapeau officially nominated the city as host for the 1976 Olympic Games. On May 12, 1970, the International
Olympic Committee announced its decision to award the Games to Montreal. The quadrilateral was brought back
to life.
On February 3, 1973, the Olympic Games' organizing committee took the first critical steps toward the
construction of the myriad of venues. On April 28th, excavation work began on the Olympic Park. As the months
went by, construction progressed steadily, but in May 1975, the workers' union went on strike and did not return
until the following October 26th, at which point the project was months behind schedule.
On November 20, 1975, the Quebec National Assembly adopted Bill 81, which saw the creation of the Olympic
Installations Board (OIB), a committee whose task it was to oversee the completion of the Olympic Park. By May
15, 1976, it had become necessary to create several temporary installations for various facilities due to the delays
in the construction of the stadium.
Though Olympic Stadium was still unfinished, it was unveiled to the world on July 17, 1976, for the opening
ceremonies of the 21st Olympiad. Olympic Park was officially inaugurated, yet it was still far from complete.
Nevertheless, the public demanded that the facilities be used immediately following the investment of their tax
dollars, and so, on September 26, 1976 - a month and a half after the Olympic Games - the Montreal Alouettes of
the Canadian Football League helped redefine Olympic Stadium as a venue that would be home to a wide variety of
sporting and cultural events.
| -- ---------------------- -- Notes, Facts and Features Memorable moments: April 15, 1977 The first-ever Expos' game at Olympic Stadium is played in front of 57,592 fans. The Expos lose 7-2 to the Phillies. September 10, 1980 Expos' rookie starter Bill Gullickson strikes out 18 Chicago Cubs, a team record that stands to this day. May 10, 1981 Charlie Lea tosses a no-hitter against the Giants; the 4-0 Expos' victory remains the only no-hitter for the home team in Olympic Stadium history. October 19, 1981 The fifth and deciding game of the National League Championship Series comes to be known as "Blue Monday" when the Dodgers' Rick Monday hits a ninth-inning home run off the Expos' Steve Rogers. The Expos lose a heartbreaking 2-1 game to Los Angeles, who advances to the World Series. July 13, 1982 The All-Star Game is played at Olympic Stadium. Steve Rogers, Gary Carter, Andre Dawson and Tim Raines are all in the starting lineup, and Al Oliver and Jim Fanning are also in uniform to represent the Expos. Dave Concepcion hits a home run and the National League wins 4-1. April 13, 1984 Pete Rose, playing in his only season with the Expos, collects career-hit number 4,000 in the team's home opener against the Phillies. September 27, 1992 In the final game of his career, Gary Carter doubles home the only run of the game with a drive to right field over the head of former teammate Andre Dawson; the Expos go on to beat the Cubs 1-0. August 4, 1994 In what will only become evident following the strike that begins on August 12th, the Major League-leading Expos play their final home game of the season before 39,044 fans, losing 7-3 to the Cardinals. It will be the last time Ken Hill, Marquis Grissom, Larry Walker and John Wetteland wear an Expos' uniform in Montreal. September 25, 1997 Against the Marlins, Pedro Martinez strikes out his 300th batter of the year en route to capping off his first Cy Young award-winning season. August 6, 1999 The Padres' Tony Gwynn collects career-hit number 3,000 in the first inning of a game in Montreal against Expos' starter Dan Smith, tying him for 23rd all time in that category with Roberto Clemente. The completed tower is one foot taller than the Washington Monument and is angled at 45 degrees. It is the world's tallest inclined structure. In the summer of 1991, Montreal's Olympic Stadium was closed after a 55-ton concrete beam fell and crashed onto a walkway, forcing the Expos to play their last 13 regular-season home games on the road. All Messages were announced in English & French. In 1992, the outfield sections of the upper deck were closed, reducing the official capacity from then on to 46,500 In the mid 90's, a new, larger video board was added, bleachers were installed in the outfield and homeplate was moved approximately 45 feet toward the backstop. A circular "bite" was taken out of the grandstand behind homeplate all in an attempt to create a cosier baseball atmosphere. -- -------------------------- -- |
On April 15, 1977, the Expos left behind Jarry Park after eight years to play their first-ever game at the Stadium,
christening their new home in front of 57,592 fans in a contest they would go on to lose 7-2 to Steve Carlton and
the Phillies. Soon after the arrival of the Expos, the venue would play host to some spectacular events, including
an attendance record-setting concert by Pink Floyd and a visit from Pope John Paul II. Four CFL Grey Cup games
would be played at the stadium throughout the 70s and 80s; a fifth will be held there in 2001.
On February 3, 1987, the Stadium's signature inclined tower was finally completed and two months later, on April
16th, its Kevlar roof was at last put in place. The exterior cable car running from the Stadium's base to the top of
the tower was inaugurated the following November.
The present adaptability of Olympic Stadium was the result of a deliberate attempt to utilize its space to make it
profitable as a venue. To this end, the installation of the roof in 1987 was followed in 1988 by the construction of
a floor with the wiring needed to meet exhibitors' requirements while maintaining those needed for baseball and
football games, concerts and other shows. A new scoreboard and sound system were installed to the delight of
fans in time for the Expos' 1992 home opener.
Later that year, new retractable stands at the back of the baseball field were built to allow for the conjoining of
the Stadium, Sports Center, and Tower - a project that added 12,900 square metres of new space. As a result of
the 34 slanting consoles that make up its skeleton, the Stadium has an immense surface area available behind its
stands, much of which is now added to the main floor to transform the Stadium into the largest exhibition hall
under one roof anywhere in Canada. This versatility allows it to accommodate a host of activities requiring an
extensive scope, including several annual raves that have gained renown throughout North America.
In the 1990's, the Expos lobbied for a new ballpark in downtown Montreal, however a workable plan to finance the
project never materialized. In 2002, the financially troubled Expos were purchased by Major League Baseball and
mentioned as a possible contraction candidate. The following two seasons the Expos played 22 "home" games in
San Juan, Puerto Rico. Finaly, after several years of speculation on the Expos' uncertain future, MLB announced
on September 28, 2004 that the Expos would relocate to Washington D.C. for the 2005 season. The following
night, the Expos played their last game in Quebec, before an emotional crowd of 31,395. Les expos lost to the
Florida Marlins 9-1.
christening their new home in front of 57,592 fans in a contest they would go on to lose 7-2 to Steve Carlton and
the Phillies. Soon after the arrival of the Expos, the venue would play host to some spectacular events, including
an attendance record-setting concert by Pink Floyd and a visit from Pope John Paul II. Four CFL Grey Cup games
would be played at the stadium throughout the 70s and 80s; a fifth will be held there in 2001.
On February 3, 1987, the Stadium's signature inclined tower was finally completed and two months later, on April
16th, its Kevlar roof was at last put in place. The exterior cable car running from the Stadium's base to the top of
the tower was inaugurated the following November.
The present adaptability of Olympic Stadium was the result of a deliberate attempt to utilize its space to make it
profitable as a venue. To this end, the installation of the roof in 1987 was followed in 1988 by the construction of
a floor with the wiring needed to meet exhibitors' requirements while maintaining those needed for baseball and
football games, concerts and other shows. A new scoreboard and sound system were installed to the delight of
fans in time for the Expos' 1992 home opener.
Later that year, new retractable stands at the back of the baseball field were built to allow for the conjoining of
the Stadium, Sports Center, and Tower - a project that added 12,900 square metres of new space. As a result of
the 34 slanting consoles that make up its skeleton, the Stadium has an immense surface area available behind its
stands, much of which is now added to the main floor to transform the Stadium into the largest exhibition hall
under one roof anywhere in Canada. This versatility allows it to accommodate a host of activities requiring an
extensive scope, including several annual raves that have gained renown throughout North America.
In the 1990's, the Expos lobbied for a new ballpark in downtown Montreal, however a workable plan to finance the
project never materialized. In 2002, the financially troubled Expos were purchased by Major League Baseball and
mentioned as a possible contraction candidate. The following two seasons the Expos played 22 "home" games in
San Juan, Puerto Rico. Finaly, after several years of speculation on the Expos' uncertain future, MLB announced
on September 28, 2004 that the Expos would relocate to Washington D.C. for the 2005 season. The following
night, the Expos played their last game in Quebec, before an emotional crowd of 31,395. Les expos lost to the
Florida Marlins 9-1.
| • Former Montreal ballparks • Jarry Park Montreal, Quebec |
Tenant: Montreal Expos (1969-76)
First National League game: April 14, 1969
Last National League game: September 26, 1976
Current use: Jarry Park Tennis Centre/Park
Seating capacity: 28,456 (1969), 30,000 (1971)
Surface: Grass
Dimensions:
Foul lines: 340 ft.
Power alleys: 370 ft.
Centre field: 415 ft. (1969), 417 ft. (1971), 420 ft. (1974)
Fences: 8 ft. high
Hosted World Series: Never
Hosted All-Star Game: Never
First National League game: April 14, 1969
Last National League game: September 26, 1976
Current use: Jarry Park Tennis Centre/Park
Seating capacity: 28,456 (1969), 30,000 (1971)
Surface: Grass
Dimensions:
Foul lines: 340 ft.
Power alleys: 370 ft.
Centre field: 415 ft. (1969), 417 ft. (1971), 420 ft. (1974)
Fences: 8 ft. high
Hosted World Series: Never
Hosted All-Star Game: Never
In the summer of 1968, the city of Montreal was awarded a National League expansion franchise, provided that a
suitable playing site would be available for the 1969 season. Originally, the 25,000-seat Autostade, located on the
site of the 1967 World's Fair, was selected as a park, but when city officials rebelled at the $7 million cost for a
roof and 12,000 additional seats, Mayor Jean Drapeau was forced to scurry for an alternate site.
After N.L. President Warren Giles and the city fathers failed to agree on a satisfactory park location on August 7,
the odds of Montreal seeing major league baseball in 1969 were virtually non-exsistent. Only Drapeau failed to
surrender. Accompanied by Giles, the Mayor visited Jarry Park, a public-recreational center in northeast
Montreal. The rec-center contained several ballfields and a public swimming pool. One of the ballfields was a
baseball diamond with a modest 3,000-seat grandstand which was used for amateur ballgames.
Drapeau emphasized seveeral advantages to the location: It was only a five-minute walk from the nearest subway
station. It was less than a mile from the nearest expressway. It was less than 200 yards away from a railway that
handles commuter traffic. Within a few months, Drapeau promised, the park capacity could be increased to
30,000. Parking facilities would be provided for 5,000 cars, the mayor said, and Giles was convinced that the park
could serve as a satisfactory stopgap.
On April 14, 1969, Jarry Park was the site of the first MLB regular-season game played outside of the United
States. 29,184 eager fans jammed into the single-deck stadium that held only 28,000, seemimgly oblivious to the
fact that the ballpark wasn't even fully completed -- folding chairs were used in some places where permenant
bleachers hadn't yet been installed.
The plan was to play in Jarry Park for a year or two, until a new domed stadium could be built for the team. But
no dome was immediately forthcoming, and the small park wound up being the home of the Expos until a new
stadium was constructed for the 1976 Olympics -- Olympic Stadium.
Being a "temporary" facility, Jarry Park had few amenities. The only covered seating was in the press box, and the
climate of Montreal meant that games sometimes were played in cold and damp conditions. Fans didn't seem to
mind however, the Expos drew 1.2 million fans their inaugural season, and over 1 million fans in each of the next
three seasons.
The public pool sat about 100 feet beyond the right-field wall, and occasionally long blasts would end up splashing
in. This was the case in that first season, when Willie Stargell of the Pittsburgh Pirates slugged a home run over
the right-field fence and into the pool.
Jarry Park also has the distinction of serving as the home of both a MLB team and a Class AAA team in a single
season. In May, 1970, the Buffalo Bisons International League franchise was taken over by the league after
ownership difficulties, and the team played in a variety of ballparks as the Winnipeg Whips, including 18 home
games on 13 dates in Jarry Park, as well as Norfolk and Richmond.
Jarry Park still exists today. No longer needed for baseball games, the Jarry Park stadium was gradually converted
into a professional tennis venue, a purpose for which it is still used. Currently there is controversy over the
planned expansion of the tennis facility at the expense of green space, something that’s at a premium in the
intensely urbanized Villeray neighbourhood. There are still baseball diamonds at Jarry Park, likewise soccer,
bocce, volleyball, swimming pools and playgrounds, a dog run, and several gazebos.
suitable playing site would be available for the 1969 season. Originally, the 25,000-seat Autostade, located on the
site of the 1967 World's Fair, was selected as a park, but when city officials rebelled at the $7 million cost for a
roof and 12,000 additional seats, Mayor Jean Drapeau was forced to scurry for an alternate site.
After N.L. President Warren Giles and the city fathers failed to agree on a satisfactory park location on August 7,
the odds of Montreal seeing major league baseball in 1969 were virtually non-exsistent. Only Drapeau failed to
surrender. Accompanied by Giles, the Mayor visited Jarry Park, a public-recreational center in northeast
Montreal. The rec-center contained several ballfields and a public swimming pool. One of the ballfields was a
baseball diamond with a modest 3,000-seat grandstand which was used for amateur ballgames.
Drapeau emphasized seveeral advantages to the location: It was only a five-minute walk from the nearest subway
station. It was less than a mile from the nearest expressway. It was less than 200 yards away from a railway that
handles commuter traffic. Within a few months, Drapeau promised, the park capacity could be increased to
30,000. Parking facilities would be provided for 5,000 cars, the mayor said, and Giles was convinced that the park
could serve as a satisfactory stopgap.
On April 14, 1969, Jarry Park was the site of the first MLB regular-season game played outside of the United
States. 29,184 eager fans jammed into the single-deck stadium that held only 28,000, seemimgly oblivious to the
fact that the ballpark wasn't even fully completed -- folding chairs were used in some places where permenant
bleachers hadn't yet been installed.
The plan was to play in Jarry Park for a year or two, until a new domed stadium could be built for the team. But
no dome was immediately forthcoming, and the small park wound up being the home of the Expos until a new
stadium was constructed for the 1976 Olympics -- Olympic Stadium.
Being a "temporary" facility, Jarry Park had few amenities. The only covered seating was in the press box, and the
climate of Montreal meant that games sometimes were played in cold and damp conditions. Fans didn't seem to
mind however, the Expos drew 1.2 million fans their inaugural season, and over 1 million fans in each of the next
three seasons.
The public pool sat about 100 feet beyond the right-field wall, and occasionally long blasts would end up splashing
in. This was the case in that first season, when Willie Stargell of the Pittsburgh Pirates slugged a home run over
the right-field fence and into the pool.
Jarry Park also has the distinction of serving as the home of both a MLB team and a Class AAA team in a single
season. In May, 1970, the Buffalo Bisons International League franchise was taken over by the league after
ownership difficulties, and the team played in a variety of ballparks as the Winnipeg Whips, including 18 home
games on 13 dates in Jarry Park, as well as Norfolk and Richmond.
Jarry Park still exists today. No longer needed for baseball games, the Jarry Park stadium was gradually converted
into a professional tennis venue, a purpose for which it is still used. Currently there is controversy over the
planned expansion of the tennis facility at the expense of green space, something that’s at a premium in the
intensely urbanized Villeray neighbourhood. There are still baseball diamonds at Jarry Park, likewise soccer,
bocce, volleyball, swimming pools and playgrounds, a dog run, and several gazebos.
| -- ------------------------ -- |
