Montreal’s Bell Centre elevates fan experience with Calrec

The Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada, supports everything from NHL games to live concerts. This 21,000-capacity arena recently underwent a major upgrade to develop its broadcast and live production architecture and make the most of its multi-purpose spaces. With True North AV’s installation of a full ST 2110 infrastructure, designed around Calrec’s compact Argo S console, the venue can now deliver high-quality productions for every type of event.

As home to the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens Hockey Club, the modular and open nature of Calrec’s ecosystem was a clear fit for the versatile venue. “Argo has been a game-changer for managing the quick turnaround between different types of events,” says Patrick Cyrenne, Bell Centre’s manager for broadcasting and electronics. “During a hockey game, our audio workflow is geared toward broadcast feeds and Argo enables us to build show-specific layouts and recall them instantly.”

The Argo S is also being used to produce and enhance more fan-focused and niche content across multiple platforms. Simultaneous mixes can be managed by the system, allowing the team to tailor audio for alternate feeds without interrupting the main broadcast workflow. It also supports voiceovers, podcasts, watch parties and custom audio for in-venue and social content.

Alongside its technical capabilities, the reduced-height Argo S met Bell Centre’s ergonomic requirements. Crucially, Argo functions as the core audio engine within an IP-based production ecosystem. Its integration with Ross Ultrix routers, EVS systems and Dante-based workflows streamlines control, which has the add-on benefit of simplifying collaboration with visiting broadcasters.

Anthony Harrison, Calrec’s international sales manager, concluded, “The installation has given Bell Centre the ability to not only deliver high-quality broadcast content, but to drive creative engagement across multiple channels and connect with fans in more personalised and dynamic ways.”

Find out more at calrec.com