BC Place
Construction of the stadium started in February of 1981. Dillingham Construction was contracted to build the venue designed by architecture firm Studio Phillips Barratt, Ltd. BC Place rose as part of preparations for the 1986 World's Fair, Expo 86. The structure opened on the 19th of June 1983, with an air-supported roof that became the world's largest at the time. Structural engineers Geiger Berger Associates shaped this massive dome. The grand opening drew crowds eager to see the new facility. The first major event arrived the next day on June 20 when the Vancouver Whitecaps hosted the Seattle Sounders. That Monday night North American Soccer League game announced attendance figures of 60,342 spectators. A month later on the 24th of July 1983, a crowd of 41,810 watched the BC Lions defeat the Saskatchewan Roughriders 44, 28. This marked the Lions' first regular season game inside the new building. On the 18th of September 1984, Pope John Paul II addressed an over-capacity crowd of 60,000 people. His Celebration of Life event stood among the most heavily attended gatherings in the stadium's history. The Prince and Princess of Wales presided over the opening ceremonies of the World's Fair on the 2nd of May 1986. An exhibition match of Australian rules football played in 1987 drew a crowd of 32,789. This figure remains the record for the largest AFL/VFL crowd outside Australia.
On the 5th of January 2007, snow accumulated on the air-supported Teflon Fibreglass roof despite strict zero accumulation guidelines. Ice accumulation structural warnings had been issued but could not prevent the disaster. The weight caused a tear in the roof's ETFE-coated fabric close to Gate G on the south side. Air escaped through the breach where the roof met the top of the concrete bowl. Maintenance staff performed an intentional, controlled deflation to protect the integrity of the remaining panels. The deflated roof rested on its steel support cables 6 metres above the seating area. Normally the roof rose 27 metres above the top of the bowl when fully inflated. Rain and melted snow flooded the bowl after the incident. Workers pumped water out of the facility while no one was injured during the event. An independent report indicated that accidental rapid pressurization combined with lightly gusting wind caused the tear. Previously undetected damage also contributed to the failure. A damaged panel was replaced with a temporary one on January 19. The roof was re-inflated shortly thereafter. The BC Contractors Association held an exhibition over the week of January 23. During this time the roof leaked in several places when it rained. A permanent replacement arrived in June 2007 just prior to the start of the CFL season.
On the 16th of May 2008, officials announced over $150 million in major renovations would be carried out on BC Place Stadium. Work proceeded in two phases to modernize the aging structure. Phase one involved upgrades to seating, washrooms, concessions, and luxury suites. Reinforcement of the existing ring beam at the top of the building completed by October 2009. This timeline ensured readiness for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Work on the retractable roof began in May 2010 following the final deflation of the air-supported system. PCL Westcoast Constructors Inc. contracted to construct the new roof designed by Stantec Architecture Ltd. Geiger Engineers served as structural engineering consultants alongside Schlaich Bergermann & Partner. The official budget for the completed Phase 1 upgrades plus the revitalization project reached $514 million. The new cable-supported retractable roof system first appeared with the Commerzbank-Arena in Frankfurt, Germany. It became the largest of its kind upon completion. The opening measures the same size as the field below. Fabric retracts into a pod hidden above the suspended videoboard. A new artificial turf developed by Polytan installed at an estimated cost of $1.2 million achieved FIFA 2-star certification. TSN analyst Chris Schultz praised both design and engineering of the renovated stadium. Columnist Brian Hutchinson noted significantly improved acoustics provided a bright and airy feel.
The 2014 NHL Heritage Classic took place the 2nd of March 2014, inside BC Place. Ottawa Senators faced off against home team Vancouver Canucks. This event marked the first NHL game played in a retractable roof stadium. Five group stage matches occurred during June 2015 for the FIFA Women's World Cup. Two round of 16 matches and one quarter-final followed. The final between Japan and United States played here on the 5th of July 2015. Canada women's national team played Australia at BC Place on the 5th of December 2023. Christine Sinclair received a farewell tour that temporarily renamed the venue to Christine Sinclair Place. The 47th Vanier Cup served as the first Canadian university football championship paired with Grey Cup Festival. It played the 25th of November 2011, between McMaster Marauders and Laval Rouge et Or before 24,935 spectators. Nicknamed Best Game Ever, it remains widely regarded as one of most exciting Canadian football games. The 2012 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament final drew highest attendance for such a game. Twenty-five thousand four hundred twenty-seven people watched the match between United States and Canada.
A new overall attendance record set on the 2nd of September 2023, with 65,061 people attending an Ed Sheeran concert. This figure surpassed previous record of 63,803 set by U2 concert in 2009. On the 6th of December 7, and 8, 2024, BC Place hosted final three shows of Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour. These events demonstrated the stadium's capacity to host major international music acts alongside sporting competitions. The venue continues to attract massive crowds seeking entertainment beyond traditional sports. Concertgoers fill every section from lower bowl to upper deck during peak performances. Sound systems designed for large-scale productions ensure clear audio throughout the facility. Lighting rigs illuminate the field while fans cheer from elevated positions. The atmosphere transforms completely when musicians take center stage instead of athletes. Ticket sales often sell out within hours of announcement for top-tier performers. Promoters recognize BC Place as one of premier venues in western Canada for touring artists.
BC Place main sports tenants include BC Lions of Canadian Football League and Vancouver Whitecaps FC of Major League Soccer. The Vancouver Nighthawks played 1988 season at BC Place before folding. The Lions have played at BC Place since it opened in 1983. They held a record attendance of 59,478 for three games in 1985 and 1986. When built floor was too small to accommodate full-sized CFL regulation field. BC Place became first CFL stadium to use 20-yard end zone instead of regulation 25-yard end zone. Smaller end zone proved highly popular with players adopted league-wide in 1986. Stadium hosted Grey Cup ten times including years 1983, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1994, 1999, 2005, 2011, 2014, and 2024. Notable 1994 championship saw hometown BC Lions defeat Baltimore Football Club on last-second field goal by Lui Passaglia. BC Place will host seven matches during 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of two Canadian venues alongside BMO Field in Toronto. Five group stage matches include two home games for Canada national team on June 18 and 24. Two knockout stage matches occur in round of 32 and another in round of 16. Provincial government estimates cost $240, 260 million to stage matches at BC Place.
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Common questions
When did construction of BC Place Stadium begin and who was the contractor?
Construction of BC Place Stadium began in February 1981 with Dillingham Construction contracted to build the venue. The stadium opened on the 19th of June 1983, featuring an air-supported roof designed by Studio Phillips Barratt, Ltd.
What caused the roof collapse at BC Place on January 5, 2007?
An independent report determined that accidental rapid pressurization combined with lightly gusting wind caused a tear in the ETFE-coated fabric near Gate G. Previously undetected damage also contributed to the failure which led to snow accumulation and water flooding inside the facility.
How much did the major renovations to BC Place cost and when were they completed?
The official budget for Phase 1 upgrades plus the revitalization project reached $514 million. Work proceeded in two phases with reinforcement of the ring beam completed by October 2009 and the new retractable roof system installed starting May 2010.
Which historic events have taken place inside BC Place since its opening?
BC Place hosted Pope John Paul II on the 18th of September 1984, and served as the venue for the 2014 NHL Heritage Classic on the 2nd of March 2014. The stadium also held five group stage matches during the June 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup final between Japan and United States on the 5th of July 2015.
What is the current attendance record at BC Place Stadium and who set it?
A new overall attendance record was set on the 2nd of September 2023, with 65,061 people attending an Ed Sheeran concert. This figure surpassed the previous record of 63,803 set by a U2 concert in 2009.