GaryMrMets
09-25-2002, 08:46 PM
http://montreal.expos.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mon/ballpark/mon_ballpark_history.jsp
The History of Olympic Stadium
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.
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 1995 alone, the Stadium's events attracted almost 76% of the Olympic Park's visitors, or more than 2.4 million of its 3.1 million visitors (1.4 million visitors came for professional sports, 1 million for exhibitions and concerts). Professional sports and large-scale entertainment events (rock concerts, stunt car shows and large rallies) constitute the primary type of activity held during the seven middle months of the year, from the beginning of April through October. During the five remaining months, the largest of the city's trade shows are held at the Stadium, using much of the available floor space.
Ten Memorable Moments in Olympic Stadium History
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.
http://montreal.expos.mlb.com/mon/photo/ph_ballpark_jarrypark.jpg
http://montreal.expos.mlb.com/mon/photo/ph_ballpark_olympicstadium.jpg
http://montreal.expos.mlb.com/mon/photo/ph_ballpark_peterose.jpg
The History of Olympic Stadium
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.
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 1995 alone, the Stadium's events attracted almost 76% of the Olympic Park's visitors, or more than 2.4 million of its 3.1 million visitors (1.4 million visitors came for professional sports, 1 million for exhibitions and concerts). Professional sports and large-scale entertainment events (rock concerts, stunt car shows and large rallies) constitute the primary type of activity held during the seven middle months of the year, from the beginning of April through October. During the five remaining months, the largest of the city's trade shows are held at the Stadium, using much of the available floor space.
Ten Memorable Moments in Olympic Stadium History
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.
http://montreal.expos.mlb.com/mon/photo/ph_ballpark_jarrypark.jpg
http://montreal.expos.mlb.com/mon/photo/ph_ballpark_olympicstadium.jpg
http://montreal.expos.mlb.com/mon/photo/ph_ballpark_peterose.jpg