Memorial Cup fever hits Rimouski

“We want to bring the Memorial Cup to life in a different way,” says General Manager Sébastien Noël, who has been piloting the event for over a year. With a budget of $5 million, some 15 full-time staff and nearly 400 volunteers, the city is transformed into a veritable playground for field hockey fans and everyone else.

At the heart of the action: the Champions Headquarters, located right next to the Colisée. A huge structure, nothing less than the famous dome at the Quebec Winter Carnival, will be set up to broadcast games on giant screens.

“Even without a ticket, you’ll be able to feel the intensity of the games, surrounded by fans and free activities,” explains Annie-Claude Beaulieu, Assistant General Manager – Planning and Logistics.

Various and exciting shows

Performances by Bleu Jeans Bleu, FouKi, Taktika and a tribute to Bob Bissonnette will keep the outdoor stage buzzing, not to mention the many free activities on offer: Ferris wheel overlooking Île Saint-Barnabé, games of skill, food court, Canadian Hockey League and Hall of Fame exhibits, and more. Each day will offer its share of discoveries.

The chosen theme, Land of Champions, highlights both the Océanic’s sporting heritage, which has seen the likes of Crosby, Lecavalier and many others, and the strength of the Rimouski community.

The opening ceremony also promises to be an eye-catcher, although the organizers are keeping a few surprises in store.

And if you think this event is just for field hockey fans, think again. The Champions Route, developed in partnership with Tourisme Bas-Saint-Laurent and Tourisme Gaspésie, will offer a unique cultural showcase of the must-see attractions in these two regions.

With over 90,000 visitors expected, and a reach that extends as far as Matane and Rivière-du-Loup, the Memorial Cup 2025 goes far beyond the boundaries of sport. Rimouski is gearing up for a historic, festive and unifying moment.

Join in the festivities from May 22 to June 1.