Archive Photos: Denman Arena

Tomorrow is the 101st anniversary of the first professional hockey game ever played in Vancouver. It took place on January 5th, 1912 at Denman Arena, which stood near the corner of Georgia and Denman in downtown Vancouver. The Vancouver Millionaires defeated the New Westminster Royal 8 to 3.

1913 – Denman Arena at 1805 Georgia Street. VPL Number: 6549. Photographer: Stuart Thomson.

Denman Arena from the Rowing Club in Stanley Park – Archives item #: CVA 99-2080

1917 – Auto Show at Denman Arena. VPL Number: 20230. Photographer: Dominion Photo Co.

1919 – Last parade (on return) 29th Battalion [C.E.F.]. Archives item #CVA 677-125. Photographer: Stuart Thomson.

1936 – Fire at Denman Arena. VPL Number: 7896. Photographer: Stuart Thomson.

The Denman Arena hosted speakers like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes), military battalions, car shows, and even the hockey game when Vancouver won the Stanley Cup. In 1936 however, it was destroyed by fire and never rebuilt.