A LITTLE HISTORY
July 2008
Establishing the Board of Directors
Proud to be a part of the 400-year anniversary celebrations of Quebec City, where he was treasurer, Mario Bédard embarked on a new project for the city: to build a new, modern and multifunctional infrastructure. He approached a group of 12 key businessmen and women in the area and asked for their help and expertise in ensuring the project’s success.
November 2008
Launching the J’ai ma place project
Mario Bédard and the 12 members of the board set out on a mission to raise $50 million over the next few years to develop the new arena. The concept was simple: sell the rights to seats of different categories in exchange for priority purchasing. The goal was to use these funds as leverage to convince the different levels of government to support the initiative.
October 2010
Photo: Le Devoir
Photo: La Presse
Photo: La Presse
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Photo: Le Devoir
Photo: Le Devoir
The Blue March
On October 1, 2010, 60,000 people gathered at the Plains of Abraham at a demonstration organized by Mario Roy. Citizens of Quebec City came together to show their desire to bring back their own pro NHL team. Among the personalities who turned out to show their support were Marian, Anton and Peter Stastny, Michel Goulet, Michel Bergeron, Alain Coté, Mario Bédard, Pierre-Karl Péladeau and Régis Labeaume.
November 2010
Launching the J’ai ma place foundation
Since November 2010, the J’ai ma place foundation has been working to raise funds via individual and corporate donations to support the City of Quebec in the construction of the new arena. By giving $20, $50 or $100, donors could have their names engraved on a wall inside the Vidéotron Centre.
February 2011
Photo: Agence Reuters
Confirmation of the arena’s construction
At a press conference held on February 10, 2011, the mayor of Quebec City, Régis Labeaume, and the premier of Quebec, Jean Charest, announced that they would split the costs of building the Quebec arena equally. Along with Sam Hamad and Mario Bédard, they confirmed that the total cost to bring the project to life would be $400 million.
March 2011
Photo: Le Soleil
Signing of the agreement between Quebecor and the City of Quebec
On March 1, 2011, Quebecor was chosen as the exclusive manager of the Quebec arena for the next 25 years. The agreement covers two potential scenarios, with and without the NHL team’s involvement from the opening. Quebecor also confirmed it will honour all promises made to J’ai ma place clients.
October 2011
Photo: J'ai ma place
Photo: J'ai ma place
Blue Day
A popular event marking the first anniversary of the Blue Walk was held. Citizens were invited to wear blue for the occasion, and were offered discounts and promotions at more than 1,000 commercial establishments in the greater Quebec City area. At the same time, a huge tailgate party and a friendly hockey match were held in the heart of Grande-Allée, where different personalities including former Nordiques players took part.
February 2012
Photo: Le Soleil
Photo: Le Soleil
Madonna presale on the Plains of Abraham
J’ai ma place clients were given the opportunity to enjoy priority purchasing for the first time, snagging tickets to Madonna’s most sought-after show on her MDNA tour. More than 15,000 tickets were claimed by J’ai ma place clients for the event, held on the Plains of Abraham on September 1, 2012.
September 2012
Photo: Le Soleil
Bring your own shovel
More than 20,000 people gathered at the future arena site to celebrate the first day of construction, breaking ground with their own shovels. More than 20,000 blue shovels were sold especially for the occasion. Attendees were also treated to a concert featuring artists including the Porn Flakes, David Usher, Kevin Parent, Jean-Pierre Ferland, Martin Deschamps and artists from Star Academy.
April 2013
Photo: Radio-Canada
Céline Dion presale on the Plains
J’ai ma place clients once again enjoyed priority purchasing for a second event on the Plains of Abraham. More than 5,000 tickets were purchased by clients to see the Céline Dion show on July 27, 2013.
March 2015
J'ai ma place becomes Première place
On March 27, 2015, Quebecor Sports & Entertainment announced the launch of a new and exclusive club, where all 2,200 J’ai ma place members would be entitled to special privileges in the new Quebec arena. All members became part of the new VIP Première Place club.
April 2015
Photo: Gestev
Photo: Gestev
Seat selection event
Première Place members were invited to the construction site to choose their seats at the Vidéotron Centre. In spite of strict security rules, all members were allowed to visit the site. Members were offered a unique experience at this exclusive event to thank them for their support.
