The 10 Largest NHL Arenas in North America

The biggest NHL arena in North America is Montreal's Bell Centre, packing in 21,105 fans for Montreal Canadiens games. Close behind are Chicago's United Center (19,717), Detroit's Little Caesars Arena (19,515), and Calgary's Scotiabank Saddledome (19,289), with the rest of the top 10 stretching from South Florida to Vancouver and Toronto. Together, these are the 10 largest hockey arenas in North America by standard NHL seating capacity.

These buildings concentrate some of the sport's loudest fan bases, host Stanley Cup Finals, World Cups, All-Star Games, and even Olympic tournaments, and double as homes for NBA teams, lacrosse clubs, and major concerts. Their designs range from Calgary's saddle-shaped roof to Detroit's deconstructed concourse and Montreal's famously steep stands that trap noise and energy.

The 10 Largest NHL Arenas in North America

1. Bell Centre - Montreal, QC

With 21,105 seats for hockey, Montreal's Bell Centre is the NHL's biggest building by capacity. Opened in 1996 to replace the historic Montreal Forum, it is a multi-purpose venue located in downtown Montreal. Owned by the Molson family through Groupe CH, it regularly hosts NHL games, concerts, and major sporting events. Notably, the Bell Centre hosted record-breaking women's hockey crowds and multiple NHL milestones, including Stanley Cup Finals and Entry Drafts. Renowned for its steep seating design and premium amenities, it remains one of the world's busiest arenas for both sports and entertainment.

2. United Center - Chicago, IL

The United Center, located in Chicago, is the home of the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks and seats 19,717 for hockey, making it one of North America's largest hockey arenas. Opened in 1994 to replace the historic Chicago Stadium, it is co-owned by the Bulls and Blackhawks and spans 960,000 square feet. The venue has hosted three Stanley Cup Finals, with the Blackhawks clinching the Cup there in 2015. Known for its loud atmosphere and iconic Michael Jordan statue, the arena also features state-of-the-art amenities including a massive scoreboard and modern atrium. It hosts over 200 events annually across sports and entertainment.

3. Little Caesars Arena - Detroit, MI

Detroit's Little Caesars Arena seats 19,515 for Red Wings hockey and anchors the city's modern sports district. Located in Midtown Detroit, it was built for $862.9 million as part of the District Detroit redevelopment plan. The arena features a unique deconstructed design with a glass-covered concourse, 62 suites, a gondola seating level, and a 37,300-square-foot practice rink. It has hosted NHL games, NCAA tournaments, UFC events, and major concerts. Though initial redevelopment promises remain largely unfulfilled, the arena is a central part of Detroit's sports district, also housing the NBA's Pistons and scheduled future PWHL and NCAA events.

4. Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Opened in 1983, Scotiabank Saddledome is home to the NHL's Calgary Flames and seats 19,289 for hockey, ranking among the largest arenas in North America. Known for its iconic saddle-shaped roof, the arena hosted figure skating and hockey during the 1988 Winter Olympics. It also serves as home to the Calgary Hitmen (WHL), Roughnecks (NLL), and Calgary Surge (CEBL). Over the years, it has hosted major concerts, UFC, and curling events. Despite renovations, the Saddledome is the NHL's third-oldest arena, with a new $1.22 billion replacement, Scotia Place, scheduled to open in time for the 2027-28 NHL season.

5. Amerant Bank Arena - Sunrise, FL

In Sunrise, Amerant Bank Arena fits 19,250 Panthers fans for hockey, Florida's largest NHL crowd. Opened in 1998 in Sunrise, Florida, the arena seats 19,250 for hockey and is the largest in the state. It boasts 70 luxury suites and 2,623 club seats across 872,000 square feet. The arena has hosted major NHL events including the 2003 and 2023 All-Star Games and the Stanley Cup Finals in 2023, 2024, and 2025, where the Panthers secured back-to-back championships. Off the ice, the venue pivots constantly, hosting major tours, combat sports, and big-ticket events for South Florida.

6. Xfinity Mobile Arena - Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia's Xfinity Mobile Arena (formerly Wells Fargo Center) lists a hockey capacity of about 19,600 for Flyers nights. Opened in 1996, it anchors the South Philadelphia Sports Complex and also hosts the NBA's 76ers and major NCAA events. Owned by Comcast Spectacor, the arena has seen two Stanley Cup Finals and record-breaking hockey attendance, including an attendance (seated plus standing) of 20,327 fans during the 2010 Finals. The arena features luxury suites, club seating, and modern renovations like a 4K kinetic scoreboard and sportsbook lounges. It remains a central hub for hockey and entertainment in Philadelphia, while the 76ers and Comcast Spectacor are now pursuing a new arena in South Philadelphia targeted to open for the 2031-32 season.

7. Benchmark International Arena - Tampa, FL

Benchmark International Arena, formerly known as Amalie Arena, is located in Tampa and seats 19,092 for hockey. Since opening in 1996 as the Ice Palace, it has served as home to the Tampa Bay Lightning and hosted Stanley Cup Finals in 2004, 2015, 2021, and 2022. Owned by Hillsborough County and operated by Vinik Sports Group, it has undergone major renovations to enhance fan experience, including upgraded seating, climate controls, and a massive video board. The arena also hosts NCAA basketball and hockey tournaments, UFC, concerts, and WWE events, making it one of Florida's premier sports and entertainment venues.

8. KeyBank Center - Buffalo, NY

Buffalo's KeyBank Center seats 19,070 for Sabres games, the biggest indoor venue in Western New York. Opened in 1996 and home to the NHL's Buffalo Sabres, it has also hosted the Buffalo Bandits (NLL) and numerous other sports franchises. The arena has undergone multiple renovations, including major locker room upgrades, HD scoreboard installations, and luxury suite refurbishments. Notable events include the 1999 Stanley Cup Finals, NHL Drafts, NCAA Frozen Fours, and World Junior Championships. Originally named Marine Midland Arena, the venue has seen several name changes and remains a premier site for hockey and entertainment.

9. Rogers Arena - Vancouver, BC

Rogers Arena, opened in 1995 in downtown Vancouver, is home to the NHL's Vancouver Canucks and seats 18,910 for hockey. Originally named General Motors Place, it was renamed in 2010 following a sponsorship deal with Rogers Communications. The arena hosted ice hockey during the 2010 Winter Olympics and the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals. Renovations from 2022 to 2025 include updated locker rooms, a new video board, and a full seat replacement. When the Canucks are away, the building flips to concerts, combat sports, and esports, keeping it among Vancouver's busiest indoor stops.

10. Scotiabank Arena - Toronto, ON

Toronto's Scotiabank Arena configures for 18,800 seats for Maple Leafs hockey (with more room when standing areas are used). Opened in 1999 and owned by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, it serves as home to the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs and the NBA's Toronto Raptors. The arena has a hockey capacity of 18,800 (20,270 with standing room) and hosted key events such as the 2000 NHL All-Star Game and multiple World Cup of Hockey matches. Built within the historic Toronto Postal Delivery Building, the arena blends heritage architecture with modern amenities, including recent $350 million renovations and an adjoining fan plaza.