Whether you’re cheering for the Canadiens or just trying to forget the score, enjoying a cold beer at the Bell Centre is part of the Montreal hockey experience.
However, if you’re planning to grab a brew at the Habs’ home barn this season, fans should be prepared to dig a little deeper into their pockets. Because, as ticket prices continue to rise, so do concessions costs.
So, how much will a can of beer set you back during a Canadiens game this season? During our latest visit to the rink, we sat down and did the math.
Here’s a comparison of beverage prices between October 2023 and October 2024 at the Bell Centre, along with the percentage increase for each item:
| Type of Drink | 2023 Price | 2024 Price | Percentage Increase (%) |
| Beer on tap | $12.18 | $12.39 | 1.72% |
| Microbrew on tap | $12.83 | $13.05 | 1.71% |
| Domestic beer can (355 ml) | $8.70 | $8.91 | 2.41% |
| Domestic beer can (473 ml) | $11.52 | $11.74 | 1.91% |
| Microbrew can | $12.83 | $13.05 | 1.71% |
| Imported beer can | $14.13 | $14.35 | 1.56% |
| Alcohol-free beer can | $7.83 | $8.05 | 2.81% |
| Vizzy can | $11.31 | $11.52 | 1.86% |
| Soft drink (regular) | $5.44 | $6.09 | 11.95% |
| Soft drink (large) | $5.87 | $6.52 | 11.07% |
| Carbonated water | $6.96 | $7.18 | 3.16% |
| Water bottle | $5 | $5.18 | 3.60% |
| Filter coffee | $3.26 | $3.43 | 5.21% |
Notably, soft drinks saw the largest price jump this season, with regular sizes increasing by almost 12%. Other beverages, including beers, saw more modest increases of around 1.5% to 3%.
Fans should also keep in mind that ordering a beer from your seat will cost you more than if you venture out to the concession stands. In fact, a standard Molson beer can run you more than $15.25 if you prefer to enjoy it without leaving your seat.
And if beer’s not your thing, consider stepping out for a cocktail from one of the drink stands. You’ll actually find that mixed drinks are cheaper than ordering beer from your seat, with most priced between $11 and $13.
Interestingly, a shot of VS cognac comes out to just $11.74 (before tax), which is quite reasonable compared to other options.