BC Place

File:B.C. Place from False Creek (cropped).jpg

Construction of the stadium started in February of 1981, with Dillingham Construction contracted to build the stadium, designed by architecture firm Studio Phillips Barratt, Ltd. BC Place was built as part of the preparations for the 1986 World's Fair, Expo 86. Upon its completion in 1983, the stadium, designed by structural engineers Geiger Berger Associates,{{cite web|last=Cyganiak |first=Marcus |url=http://www.buyric.com/lifestyle/2010/04/vancouver-skyline-to-change-forever-bc-place-deflated-for-good-004/ |title=Vancouver Skyline to Change Forever – BC Place Deflated for Good |publisher=Buyric.com |access-date=September 30, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330020949/http://www.buyric.com/lifestyle/2010/04/vancouver-skyline-to-change-forever-bc-place-deflated-for-good-004/ |archive-date=March 30, 2012 }} was the world's largest air-supported domed stadium until May 4, 2010, when it was deflated for the last time in preparation for the erection of its new retractable roof.{{cite news |date=May 4, 2010 |title=BC Place roof drops in final deflation |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-place-roof-drops-in-final-deflation-1.950002 |work=CBC News |accessdate=July 1, 2024}} Its original air-supported design was similar to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which later stored pieces of the roof for reuse.{{cite news |last=Nelson |first=Tim |date=December 30, 2010 |title=Minneapolis is home to a second defunct dome |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/12/30/other-dome |publisher=Minnesota Public Radio |accessdate=July 1, 2024}}

The stadium held its grand opening on June 19, 1983. The first major event held in the stadium came the next day, June 20, when the Vancouver Whitecaps hosted the Seattle Sounders in a Monday night North American Soccer League (NASL) game with attendance announced at 60,342.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GXdkAAAAIBAJ&sjid=934NAAAAIBAJ&pg=1045%2C343941 |work=Calgary Herald |agency=Canadian Press |title=Whitecaps electrify 60,342 with 2-1 victory |date=June 21, 1983 |page=E3 |via=Google News Archive |access-date=September 7, 2022 |archive-date=September 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907232819/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GXdkAAAAIBAJ&sjid=934NAAAAIBAJ&pg=1045,343941 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Whitecaps and Sounders raise the curtain on BC Place back in 1983 |url=http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2011/09/whitecaps-and-sounders-raise-curtain-bc-place-back-1983 |author=Fudge, Simon |date=September 13, 2011 |website=WhitecapsFC.com |access-date=July 30, 2014 |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808032440/http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2011/09/whitecaps-and-sounders-raise-curtain-bc-place-back-1983 |url-status=live }} On June 23, 1983, the BC Lions played their first game at the new stadium, a preseason 41–19 victory against the Calgary Stampeders with 53,472 in attendance.{{cite web|url=https://stats.cfldb.ca/league/cfl/schedule/1983/06/23/cgy-at-bc/|title=CFL Results June 23, 1983 Calgary 19 @ BC 41 on CFLdb Statistics|website=stats.cfldb.ca|access-date=January 3, 2018|archive-date=January 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103133701/https://stats.cfldb.ca/league/cfl/schedule/1983/06/23/cgy-at-bc/|url-status=live}} A month later, on July 24, 1983, a crowd of 41,810 watched the BC Lions defeat the Saskatchewan Roughriders 44–28 in the Lions' first regular season game at the stadium.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2011/09/30/remembering-the-thrill-of-when-bc-place-opened/|title=Remembering the thrill of when BC Place first opened|date=September 30, 2011|website=CFL.ca|access-date=June 24, 2016|archive-date=June 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616181320/http://www.cfl.ca/2011/09/30/remembering-the-thrill-of-when-bc-place-opened/|url-status=live}} The venue would host the Soccer Bowl '83 and the 1983 Grey Cup game later that year.{{cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/page/his_greycup_recap1983|title=Grey Cup: 1983|publisher=Canadian Football League|access-date=August 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130820015740/http://cfl.ca/page/his_greycup_recap1983|archive-date=August 20, 2013|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=C7NOAAAAIBAJ&pg=2121,402889&dq=soccer%20bowl&hl=en|title=Lakeland Ledger|via=Google News Archive Search|access-date=December 30, 2016}}{{cite news |last=Phillips |first=Randy|title=Tulsa captures Soccer Bowl with dull victory over Blizzard |date=August 28, 1978|work=The Gazette|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1946&dat=19831003&id=QVwxAAAAIBAJ&pg=1133,1573777&hl=en |page=D-5, D-8 |access-date=March 17, 2015}} On September 18, 1984, Pope John Paul II addressed an over-capacity crowd of 60,000 for "A Celebration of Life". The celebration was part of the papal visit to the Archdiocese of Vancouver. It was one of the most heavily attended events in the stadium. The Pope's Celebration of Life was followed a few months later by the Billy Graham Crusade, which drew similar numbers{{cn|date=July 2024}} for eight nights.{{cite news |last=Mackie |first=John |date=June 17, 2023 |title=A look back at highlights and firsts as B.C. Place turns 40 |url=https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/a-look-back-at-highlights-and-firsts-as-b-c-place-turns-40 |work=Vancouver Sun |accessdate=July 1, 2024}}

The stadium was then used for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1986 World Exposition on Transportation and Communication (Expo '86). Accepting an invitation by the Province of British Columbia, Prince Charles and Princess Diana presided over the opening ceremonies of the World's Fair on May 2, 1986. In 1987, an exhibition match of Australian rules football was played at the stadium and drew a crowd of 32,789 {{spaced ndash}} a record for the largest AFL/VFL crowd outside of Australia.{{cn|date=July 2024}} The stadium also hosted a National Football League exhibition game in 1998 when the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 24–21 in the American Bowl with 45,000 in attendance.{{cite news |date=August 16, 1998 |title=No Moon at all on losing night |page=C3 |work=The Spokesman-Review |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-spokesman-review-no-moon-at-all-on-l/150470069/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=July 1, 2024}}

{{wide image|BC Place Vancouver.jpg|600px|Inside BC Place Stadium under original roof in July 2005}}

On January 5, 2007, snow accumulated on the air-supported Teflon Fibreglass roof, despite strict zero accumulation of ice guidelines and ice accumulation structural warnings. The accumulation caused a tear in the roof's ETFE-coated fabric close to Gate G on the south side where the roof meets the top of the concrete bowl.{{cite web|url=http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070105/roof_collapse_070105/20070105?hub=TopStories |title=B.C. Place Stadium's inflated roof collapses (05/01/2007) |publisher=CTV.ca |date=January 5, 2007 |access-date=September 30, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100407092253/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070105/roof_collapse_070105/20070105?hub=TopStories |archive-date=April 7, 2010 }}{{cite news |url=http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=448f933e-b377-43ba-9c63-2b5edd334690&k=79296 |title=The roof at B.C. Place stadium deflated after tear |work=Vancouver Sun |via=Canada.com |date=January 5, 2007 |access-date=September 30, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628213620/http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=448f933e-b377-43ba-9c63-2b5edd334690&k=79296 |archive-date=June 28, 2011 }} The tear grew quickly as air escaped through it, whereupon maintenance staff performed an intentional, controlled deflation to protect the integrity of the roof's intact fabric panels.{{cite web|url=http://www.canada.com/topics/news/story.html?id=448f933e-b377-43ba-9c63-2b5edd334690&k=79296 |title=Vancouver Sun – The roof at B.C. Place stadium deflated after tear (01/05/2007) |publisher=Canada.com |date=January 5, 2007 |access-date=September 30, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111165606/http://www.canada.com/topics/news/story.html?id=448f933e-b377-43ba-9c63-2b5edd334690&k=79296 |archive-date=November 11, 2011 }} As it was designed to do, the deflated roof rested on its steel support cables 6 metres (20 ft) above the seating and the field. Normally, the roof had a rise of 27 metres (90 ft) above the top of the bowl when inflated.{{cite web |url=http://nisee.berkeley.edu/elibrary/getpkg?id=GoddenE35.3-7 |title=Structural Engineering Slide Library – Modern domes: Air-supported dome |publisher=Nisee.berkeley.edu |access-date=September 30, 2011 |archive-date=June 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100613170549/http://nisee.berkeley.edu/elibrary/getpkg?id=GoddenE35.3-7 |url-status=live }} No one was injured during the incident, although rain and melted snow flooded the bowl and subsequently had to be pumped out.

An independent report indicated that an accidental rapid pressurization combined with lightly gusting wind and a location of previously undetected damage caused the tear.{{Cite news|url=http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=b909e9ec-0f62-4a38-9391-a1c575acada0&k=91717 |title=Human error a factor in BC Place roof trouble |date=January 13, 2007 |access-date=December 23, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628213632/http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=b909e9ec-0f62-4a38-9391-a1c575acada0&k=91717 |archive-date=June 28, 2011 }} The damaged panel was replaced with a temporary one on January 19 and the roof was re-inflated.{{cite news|title=Teflon roof of B.C. Place Stadium reinflated |work=CTV.ca |publisher=CTVglobemedia |date=January 19, 2007 |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/teflon-roof-of-b-c-place-stadium-reinflated-1.225183 |access-date=January 19, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222002605/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070119/BC_storm_070119/20070119?hub=TopStories |archive-date=December 22, 2008 }}{{cite news | publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation| title = Stadium dome returns to Vancouver skyline| date = January 19, 2007 |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/stadium-dome-returns-to-vancouver-skyline-1.634000 | access-date =January 19, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070121192017/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/story/2007/01/19/dome-inflates.html| archive-date= January 21, 2007 | url-status= live}} The BC Contractors Association held an exhibition in the stadium over the week of January 23,{{cite web|url=http://www.stoneselex.com/|title=Main Exhibition Contractor|access-date=November 29, 2014|archive-date=November 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141123133356/http://www.stoneselex.com/|url-status=live}} during which the roof leaked in several places when it rained.{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-place-s-reopening-marred-by-leaking-roof-1.652556 |title=B.C. Place's reopening marred by leaking roof |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=January 24, 2007 |access-date=September 30, 2011 |archive-date=October 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021230513/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-place-s-reopening-marred-by-leaking-roof-1.652556 |url-status=live }} The temporary panel was successfully replaced with a permanent one in June 2007, just prior to the start of the 2007 CFL season.[http://www.bcplacestadium.com/newsreleases/MEDIAUPDATE_Permanent_Panelfinal.doc "BC Place Permanent Roof Panel Installation"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070704185744/http://www.bcplacestadium.com/newsreleases/MEDIAUPDATE_Permanent_Panelfinal.doc |date=July 4, 2007 }}, BC Place Stadium press release, June 14, 2007.

File:BCPlaceRoofApril2011.jpg

File:BC Place Stadium - panoramio.jpg

On May 16, 2008, it was announced that over $150 million in major renovations would be carried out on BC Place Stadium. The work was done in two phases. The first phase involved upgrades to seating, washrooms, concessions, and luxury suites, as well as the reinforcement of the existing ring beam at the top of the building[http://www.bcplacestadium.com/vision2011.shtml Vision 2011] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081104010724/http://www.bcplacestadium.com/vision2011.shtml |date=November 4, 2008 }} BC Place 2008/09/04 and was completed in October 2009, in time for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Work on the retractable roof began in May 2010, with PCL Westcoast Constructors Inc. contracted to construct the roof designed by architecture firm Stantec Architecture Ltd. and structural engineering firm Geiger Engineers, with Schlaich Bergermann & Partner serving as consulting engineers and Genivar, Inc. acting as services engineers.{{cite web|last=Ansell|first=Lauren|url=http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/f45bb6aa#/f45bb6aa/58|title=Northern Light|work=Stadia Magazine|access-date=May 30, 2012|archive-date=March 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150309074852/http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/f45bb6aa#/f45bb6aa/58|url-status=live}} Geiger also designed the stadium's new centre-hung scoreboard. The roof's construction began immediately after the completion of the 2010 Winter Paralympics and the final deflation of the air-supported roof. The official budget for the completed Phase 1 upgrades plus the revitalization project was $514 million.{{cite web|url=http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/ministries/energy-mines-and-natural-gas/factsheets/factsheet-bc-place-budget.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130219181842/http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/ministries/energy-mines-and-natural-gas/factsheets/factsheet-bc-place-budget.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 19, 2013 |title=FACTSHEET: BC Place Budget | BC Newsroom |publisher=Newsroom.gov.bc.ca |date=January 18, 2013 |access-date=January 24, 2013 }} The new roof, a cable-supported retractable roof system first used with the Commerzbank-Arena in Frankfurt, Germany,{{cite web|title=Local MLS bid still on, investor says|url=http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/sports/story.html?id=34eb7053-ff9e-4ec7-920d-47ebb3f5d088&k=44986&p=2|work=The Vancouver Sun|access-date=June 8, 2012|archive-date=February 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221222646/http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/sports/story.html?id=34eb7053-ff9e-4ec7-920d-47ebb3f5d088&k=44986&p=2|url-status=live}} is the largest of its kind.{{cite web|last=Hutchinson |first=Brian |title=Finally, B.C. Place is a Retractable-Roof Stadium That Works |url=http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2011/09/24/brian-hutchinson-finally-b-c-place-is-a-retractable-roof-stadium-that-works/ |work=National Post |access-date=May 30, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716024041/http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2011/09/24/brian-hutchinson-finally-b-c-place-is-a-retractable-roof-stadium-that-works/ |archive-date=July 16, 2012 }} The opening measures {{convert|100|by|85|m|yd}}, the same size as the field below. The fabric roof retracts into and is hidden by a pod in the centre of the opening, above the suspended videoboard.{{cite web |url=http://www.bcplacestadium.com/index.php/roof.html |title=The New Stadium – BC Place |publisher=Bcplacestadium.com |access-date=December 23, 2011 |archive-date=February 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204143122/http://www.bcplacestadium.com/index.php/roof.html |url-status=live }}

The updated stadium also features the second largest centre-hung high definition scoreboard in North America, after the one in AT&T Stadium.{{cite web |url=https://www.tsn.ca/columnists/chris_schultz/?id=377342 |title=Schultz: Renovated B.C. Place among world's best stadiums |publisher=The Sports Network |date=October 3, 2011 |access-date=December 23, 2011 |archive-date=October 20, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020020228/http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/chris_schultz/?id=377342 |url-status=live }} In addition, a new artificial turf developed by Polytan was installed at an estimated cost of $1.2 million. It is designed to achieve FIFA 2-star certification, the highest rating possible. The soccer pitch is {{convert|117|by|75|yard|m}}.{{cite web|last=Constantineau |first=Bruce |title=Empire falls, Whitecaps hope BC Place provides kick-start |url=https://vancouversun.com/sports/Empire+falls+Whitecaps+hope+Place+provides+kick+start/5450491/story.html |work=The Province |access-date=September 24, 2011 |date=September 24, 2011 }}{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

TSN analyst and former CFL player Chris Schultz praised both the design and engineering of the new stadium. Columnist Brian Hutchinson has praised the renovations for significantly improving the acoustics, and providing a bright and airy feel to the stadium. These were aspects that were missing in its previous air-supported roof incarnation, as well as the Montreal Olympic Stadium and the Rogers Centre (formerly SkyDome).

The artificial turf installed between September 2011 and April 2015 drew criticism, notably its lacklustre characteristics for playing professional level soccer.{{cite news|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2015/03/06/tfc-ready-for-opener-in-vancouver|title=Toronto FC set to open anticipated ninth season|newspaper=Toronto Sun|access-date=July 31, 2015|archive-date=July 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709082831/http://www.torontosun.com/2015/03/06/tfc-ready-for-opener-in-vancouver|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.canadiansoccernews.com/index.php?/page/articles.html/_/aftn/robbie-keane-slams-unacceptable-bc-place-pitch-r4139|title=Robbie Keane slams unacceptable BC Place pitch|website=CSN|access-date=July 31, 2015|archive-date=September 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923200158/http://www.canadiansoccernews.com/index.php?/page/articles.html/_/aftn/robbie-keane-slams-unacceptable-bc-place-pitch-r4139|url-status=live}} A new artificial turf was installed in May 2015, prior to the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015. The total cost of the turf upgrade was $1.327 million, with Canada Soccer and Rugby Canada contributing $500,000 CDN to the project.{{cite web|title=New surface selected for BC Place|url=http://www.whitecapsfc.com/post/2015/03/27/new-surface-selected-bc-place|website=whitecapsfc.com|access-date=March 27, 2015|archive-date=October 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005044008/http://www.whitecapsfc.com/post/2015/03/27/new-surface-selected-bc-place|url-status=live}} Liam Middleton, Canada's Rugby Sevens coach, stated that the new surface was "better than some natural grass surfaces they've played on."{{cite web|last1=Johnston|first1=Patrick|title=Canada Sevens day one live blog|url=https://theprovince.com/sports/rugby/canada-sevens-day-one-live-blog|website=The Province|publisher=The Province Newspaper|access-date=March 12, 2016|archive-date=August 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829000844/http://theprovince.com/sports/rugby/canada-sevens-day-one-live-blog|url-status=live}}

• New retractable roof is the largest cable supported retractable roof in the world.{{cite web|title=BC Place: Level 4 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUH3IBdPNGI |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803201612/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUH3IBdPNGI |archive-date=August 3, 2016 |website=YouTube |author=BC Lions |date=Sep 29, 2011}}{{cite AV media |date=September 26, 2011 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLHA_5-KeW8 |title=VIDEO: David Campbell on building the new BC Place roof |publisher=Journal of Commerce |via=YouTube |access-date=November 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707022646/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLHA_5-KeW8&feature=related |archive-date=July 7, 2015 |url-status=live}}
• Revolving doors replaced with clear glass doors, which allows the stadium to be accessed much more easily.BC Place: Entrance & Lions Locker Room https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aceXPXMrkBg {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804203001/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aceXPXMrkBg |date=August 4, 2016 }}
• Old brown glass around building replaced with light green glass which lets more light in and makes stadium brighter.
• BC Lions locker room completely expanded and refurbished: Old lockers were taken out, sanded down, refinished, and put back in. New cubicles were also put in with individual lighting for players. Locker room also sports a new floor called "sport floor".
• New synthetic turf, called Polytan LigaTurf RS+, was installed as the new playing surface. Turf has a {{convert|1+1/4|in|mm}} thick shock pad underneath the turf and special eco-friendly BionPro infill.BC Place: New turf and centre-hung videoboard https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lXXTemvZ3o {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204183324/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lXXTemvZ3o |date=December 4, 2016 }}
• A centre-hung high-definition scoreboard measuring {{convert|68|x|38|ft|m}}.
• Around the stadium is a new {{convert|51|in|m}} electronic ribbon board, with a circumference of {{convert|2200|ft}}.
• Added 1,140 new HDTV screens. Screens work through a system called Stadium Vision. Each screen runs on a separate video source, allowing menu boards at concourse concession stands to show game updates to fans as they order from concession stands.BC Place: Level 2 http://www.bclions.com/video/index/id/21033 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111211024138/http://bclions.com/video/index/id/21033 |date=December 11, 2011 }}
• All concourses widened and refurbished.
• Added 140 additional portable concession stands. Storage of food and supplies will be in concession stands.
• 50 fully refurbished private suites and 1,300 newly refurbished premium Club Seats.{{cite web |url=http://www.bcplacestadium.com/index.php/suites-and-club-seats.html |title=Suites and Club Seats – BC Place |publisher=Bcplacestadium.com |access-date=December 29, 2011 |archive-date=January 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120101155709/http://www.bcplacestadium.com/index.php/suites-and-club-seats.html |url-status=live }}Suites sneak peek https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9_1MJgSvoI {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610153202/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9_1MJgSvoI |date=June 10, 2016 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.whitecapsfc.com/bc-place |title=BC Place | Vancouver Whitecaps FC |publisher=Whitecapsfc.com |access-date=December 29, 2011 |archive-date=September 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927143157/http://www.whitecapsfc.com/bc-place |url-status=live }}
• Wheel chair seating now at every price point and level of the stadium.
• New upgraded washrooms, and access ramps with new lighting.{{cite web |url=http://www.bcplacestadium.com/index.php/accessibility.html |title=Accessibility – BC Place |publisher=Bcplacestadium.com |access-date=December 29, 2011 |archive-date=January 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120102105815/http://www.bcplacestadium.com/index.php/accessibility.html |url-status=live }}
• New state of the art sound system.
• New wider seats: seats or {{convert|20|inch|cm}} wide with cup holders on every seat.
• New sport lighting in stadium: 10% of lighting replaced by hot strip lighting, which gives instant on and off.

File:Vancouver 2010 opening ceremony.jpg of the 2010 Winter Olympics]]

File:BC Place (19186581723) (2).jpg]]

The opening and closing ceremonies of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the opening ceremonies of the X Paralympic Winter Games were also held in BC Place Stadium in February and March 2010, respectively. The stadium was the first air-supported structure and 24th venue to host the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics. It was also both the third CFL venue and the third Canadian venue to have served as an Olympic Stadium, after Montreal's Olympic Stadium and Calgary's McMahon Stadium.{{cn|date=July 2024}}

The 47th Vanier Cup was the first Canadian university football championship paired with the Grey Cup Festival and played on November 25, 2011, between the McMaster Marauders and Laval Rouge et Or in front of 24,935. Nicknamed "Best Game... Ever",[https://www.tsn.ca/cis/story/?id=409928 TSN presents complete coverage of 48th Vanier Cup] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728114154/http://www.tsn.ca/cis/story/?id=409928 |date=July 28, 2013 }}. Tsn.ca (November 20, 2012). Retrieved July 26, 2013. it is widely regarded as one of the most exciting Canadian Football games of all time{{cite web|url=http://www.thespec.com/sports/local/article/631399--one-of-the-greatest-games-ever-seen |title='One of the greatest games' ever seen |publisher=TheSpec |access-date=December 1, 2011}} with McMaster winning 41–38 in double overtime. It was the first championship played in the newly renovated facility.{{cn|date=July 2024}}

The 2012 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament final between the United States and Canada played at the stadium was the highest attendance for a women's CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying game with 25,427 people in attendance.{{cite web|last=MacMahon|first=Martin|title=Canada no match for USA|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2012/01/29/canada_usa_report/|publisher=Sportsnet|access-date=January 30, 2012|archive-date=January 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120131061345/http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2012/01/29/canada_usa_report/|url-status=live}}

The 2014 NHL Heritage Classic took place March 2, 2014, in BC Place, with the Ottawa Senators facing off against the home team Vancouver Canucks.Winnipeg Free Press, [http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/nhl/reportsnhl-adds-5-outdoor-games-in-2014-including-heritage-classic-in-vancouver-203322951.html "Reports:NHL adds 5 outdoor games in 2014, including Heritage Classic in Vancouver"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614081025/http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/nhl/reportsnhl-adds-5-outdoor-games-in-2014-including-heritage-classic-in-vancouver-203322951.html |date=June 14, 2013 }}, Canadian Press, April 16, 2013 It was the first NHL game to be played in a retractable roof stadium.{{cite news |title=Canucks to host Sens at BC Place in 2014 NHL Heritage Classic |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/canucks-to-host-sens-at-bc-place-in-2014-nhl-heritage-classic-1.1342759 |date=July 10, 2013 |work=CBC Sports |accessdate=October 26, 2024 |archive-date=September 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930094503/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/canucks-to-host-sens-at-bc-place-in-2014-nhl-heritage-classic-1.1342759 |url-status=live}}

BC Place hosted its second major international sports competition, the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. Five group stage matches, two round of 16 matches, and one quarter-final were held in the stadium during June 2015, and the Final between Japan and the United States was played here on July 5, 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/womensworldcup/destination/cities/city=3634/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512221937/http://www.fifa.com/womensworldcup/destination/cities/city=3634/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 12, 2012|title=FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015™ - Vancouver |publisher=FIFA|access-date=July 31, 2015}} The Canada women's national team played Australia at BC Place on December 5, 2023, as part of a farewell tour for Christine Sinclair. The stadium was temporarily renamed to Christine Sinclair Place in her honor.{{cite news |date=November 27, 2023 |title=B.C. Place Stadium will be Christine Sinclair Place for soccer great's last international match |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/christine-sinclair-bc-place-stadium-renamed-australia-match-1.7041456 |work=CBC Sports |accessdate=November 27, 2023}}

The stadium hosted round six of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2015–16 series.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/sevens-world-series/12125003/HSBC-World-Rugby-Sevens-Series-2015-16-Schedule-calendar-fixtures-and-results.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/sevens-world-series/12125003/HSBC-World-Rugby-Sevens-Series-2015-16-Schedule-calendar-fixtures-and-results.html |archive-date=January 12, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2015–16: Schedule, calendar fixtures and results|date=March 7, 2016|website=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=March 14, 2016}}{{cbignore}}

A new overall attendance record was set on September 2, 2023, with 65,061 people attending an Ed Sheeran concert, surpassing the previous record of 63,803 set by a U2 concert in 2009.{{cite news |last=Carrigg |first=David |date=September 3, 2023 |title=British superstar Ed Sheeran breaks B.C. Place attendance record |url=https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/ed-sheeran-concert-breaks-bc-place-attendance-record |work=Vancouver Sun |accessdate=September 4, 2023}} On December 6, 7, and 8, 2024, BC Place hosted the final three shows of Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour.{{cite news |last=Watson |first=Bridgette |title=Taylor Swift to bring Eras Tour to Vancouver for 3 nights in December 2024 |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/taylor-swift-vancouver-dates-1.7016290 |date=November 2, 2023 |work=CBC News |accessdate=October 26, 2024 |archive-date=November 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102152941/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/taylor-swift-vancouver-dates-1.7016290 |url-status=live}}

File:BC Place - night game (6219415118).jpg match between the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Real Salt Lake]]

BC Place's main sports tenants are the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and Vancouver Whitecaps FC of Major League Soccer (MLS). The Vancouver Nighthawks, a member of the World Basketball League, played the 1988 season at BC Place.{{cite web |author=nurun.com |url=http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/News/2010/05/03/13810941.html |title=B.C. Place's roof facing its last days | Vancouver 24 hrs |publisher=Vancouver.24hrs.ca |access-date=January 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728124426/http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/News/2010/05/03/13810941.html |archive-date=July 28, 2013 |url-status=dead }}

The Lions have played at BC Place since it opened in 1983 and had a record attendance of 59,478 for three games in 1985 and 1986.{{cite news |last=Adams |first=J.J. |date=November 1, 2023 |title=Playoffs push B.C. Lions, Whitecaps attendance into stratosphere (or at least the upper bowl) |url=https://vancouversun.com/sports/bc-lions-vancouver-whitecaps-playoffs-attendance |work=Vancouver Sun |accessdate=November 5, 2023}} When it was built, the floor of BC Place was too small to accommodate a full-sized CFL regulation field, as a result BC Place became the first CFL stadium to use a 20-yard end zone instead of the regulation 25-yard end zone then in use. Although controversial at first, the smaller end zone proved highly popular with players and was adopted league-wide in 1986.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hUCto5BNvwsC&q=BC+Place+Stadium+20+yard+endzones+1983&pg=PA27 | title=The Canadian Football League: The Phoenix of Professional Sports Leagues (Revised Edition): The Phoenix of Professional Sports Leagues| isbn=9781411658608| last1=O'Brien| first1=Steve| date=November 2005| publisher=Lulu.com}}

The stadium has hosted the CFL's championship game, the Grey Cup, ten times: in 1983, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1994, 1999, 2005, 2011, 2014, and 2024. Notable was the 1994 championship, in which the hometown BC Lions defeated the U.S. expansion team the Baltimore Football Club on a last-second field goal by Lui Passaglia, preventing the Grey Cup trophy from leaving Canada (Baltimore would win the Grey Cup the following year). The stadium hosted the 99th Grey Cup in 2011 after the new roof was completed (this Grey Cup game was also won by the BC Lions at home).[https://www.cfl.ca/index.php?module=page&id=46 CFL.ca – History of the Grey Cup] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831211954/https://www.cfl.ca/index.php?module=page&id=46 |date=August 31, 2018 }} (Accessed January 5, 2007)

Several incarnations of the Whitecaps have played at BC Place. The original Vancouver Whitecaps of the North American Soccer League (NASL) played at the stadium from 1983 to 1984, when the team folded.{{cite news |last=Timko |first=Brandon |date=June 1, 2010 |title=Chapter 1: NASL 1974 to 1984 |url=https://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/chapter-1-nasl-1974-1984 |work=WhitecapsFC.com |accessdate=November 5, 2023}} The team hosted the first sporting event at BC Place, a regular season match against the Seattle Sounders on June 20, 1983, which drew 60,342 spectators. Soccer Bowl '83 was also held at BC Place, where the Tulsa Roughnecks defeated the Toronto Blizzard 2–0 in front of 53,326 spectators.{{cite news |last=Yannis |first=Alex |date=October 2, 1983 |title=Roughnecks Capture Soccer Bowl, 2-0 |at=sec. 5, p. 3 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/02/sports/roughnecks-capture-soccer-bowl.html |work=The New York Times |accessdate=July 1, 2024}}

The stadium was also used for exhibition matches as well as Canada national team fixtures during the 1980s and 1990s. The second incarnation of the Whitecaps, initially named the Vancouver 86ers, played exhibition matches at BC Place in 1991 and 1992 before returning for regular season games in 1995 during renovations to Swangard Stadium.{{cite news |last=Fudge |first=Simon |date=September 27, 2011 |title=Soccer at BC Place: Post NASL era - 1985 to 1995 |url=https://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/soccer-bc-place-post-nasl-era-1985-1995 |work=WhitecapsFC.com |accessdate=November 5, 2023}} On November 7, 2007, the Whitecaps hosted the LA Galaxy for an exhibition match that drew 48,172 spectators—mainly attracted by the appearance of David Beckham.{{cite news |last=Carrigg |first=David |date=November 8, 2007 |title=Fans flock to see Beckham |page=A3 |work=The Province |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-province-fans-flock-to-see-beckham/134711871/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=November 5, 2023}}

On August 21, 2021, the Whitecaps played their first home game at BC Place since the COVID-19 pandemic after being forced to stay in the United States for the 2020 season and the first half of the 2021 season. They won 2–1 against Los Angeles FC.

After the Whitecaps joined MLS and moved into the renovated BC Place, the team only sold seats in the lower bowl. They drew a record of 27,683 spectators for a regular season match against Seattle Sounders FC in 2018 without opening the upper bowl. The restriction was lifted for a 2023 playoff match against Los Angeles FC on November 5, 2023; the match had 30,204 spectators.{{cite news |last=Adams |first=J.J. |date=November 5, 2023 |title=LAFC 1, Whitecaps 0: Refs ruin the night for Caps and their record crowd |url=https://vancouversun.com/sports/soccer/mls/vancouver-whitecaps/la-galaxy-playoff-recap-referees |work=Vancouver Sun |accessdate=November 5, 2023}} The team set their new MLS attendance record on May 25, 2024, with 51,035 spectators during a regular season match against Inter Miami CF who had signed star player Lionel Messi the year prior.{{cite news |last=Karstens-Smith |first=Gemma |date=May 25, 2024 |title=No Messi, no problem: Inter Miami downs slumping Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 |url=https://theprovince.com/sports/soccer/mls/vancouver-whitecaps/whitecaps-vs-inter-miami-vancouver-loses-2-1 |work=The Province |agency=The Canadian Press |accessdate=May 25, 2024}} The team later broke their MLS-era record for attendance with 53,837 spectators at their 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal match against Miami on April 24, 2025.{{cite news |last=Adams |first=J.J. |date=April 24, 2025 |title=Whitecaps 2, Inter Miami 0: Vancouver wins first leg of CONCACAF semifinals |url=https://vancouversun.com/sports/soccer/mls/vancouver-whitecaps/whitecaps-2-inter-miami-0-vancouver-wins-first-leg-of-concacaf-semi-finals/wcm/d6e6b53e-7ddb-4860-aa98-19c0c99d25eb |work=Vancouver Sun |accessdate=April 25, 2025}}

On April 16, 2025, BC Place hosted the opening match for the Northern Super League, Canada's top women's soccer league between the hometown Vancouver Rise FC and Calgary Wild FC. The Rise won 1–0 in front of 14,018 spectators with the first goal scored by Quinn.{{cite news |last=Karstens-Smith |first=Gemma |date=April 17, 2015 |title=First Northern Super League game 'a surreal moment' for players, coaches |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/article-first-northern-super-league-game-a-surreal-moment-for-players-coaches/ |work=The Globe and Mail |agency=The Canadian Press |accessdate=April 19, 2025}}

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BC Place will host seven matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of two Canadian venues alongside BMO Field in Toronto. Among them are five group stage matches, including two home games for the Canada national team on June 18 and 24, and two knockout stage matches: one in the round of 32 and another in the round of 16.{{cite news |last=Williams |first=Rob |date=February 4, 2024 |title=Vancouver will host 7 matches at 2026 FIFA World Cup |url=https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/vancouver-host-matches-2026-fifa-world-cup |work=Daily Hive |accessdate=February 4, 2024}} The provincial government estimates that it will cost $240–260 million to stage, plan, and host the matches at BC Place.{{cite news |last=Adams |first=J.J. |date=June 17, 2022 |title=Game On: Vancouver crowned as 2026 FIFA World Cup host city |url=https://theprovince.com/sports/soccer/international-soccer/game-on-vancouver-crowned-as-2026-fifa-world-cup-host-city |work=The Province |accessdate=December 27, 2022 |archive-date=June 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616213928/https://theprovince.com/sports/soccer/international-soccer/game-on-vancouver-crowned-as-2026-fifa-world-cup-host-city |url-status=live }}

BC Place can also be used in a baseball configuration to attract a future Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise.{{cite web |url=https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/arizona-diamondbacks-vancouver-visit-mlb |title=Arizona Diamondbacks visit included look at "long term" viability of MLB in Vancouver | Offside |access-date=June 21, 2022 |archive-date=May 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524011040/https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/arizona-diamondbacks-vancouver-visit-mlb |url-status=live }} It can accommodate a baseball diamond with retractable seating sections making room for right field. The Vancouver Canadians of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League played several series of games there between 1984 and 1988, including games 1 and 2 of the 1985 league championship series. Numerous MLB spring training games were also played, including in 1984 (Toronto Blue Jays and Milwaukee Brewers), 1986 (Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, Montreal Expos and Seattle Mariners), 1993 (Toronto, Seattle, Milwaukee and Detroit Tigers) and 1994 MLB season (Toronto, Seattle, Montreal and Colorado Rockies).{{cite news |url=http://www.vancourier.com/sports/Baseball+Place+thing+past/5265433/story.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130412034935/http://www.vancourier.com/sports/Baseball+Place+thing+past/5265433/story.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 12, 2013 |title=Baseball in B.C. Place: a thing of the past? |newspaper=Vancouver Courier |date=August 18, 2011 |access-date=February 10, 2013 }} The Mariners explored plans to play regular season games at BC Place in the mid-1990s,{{cite news |last=Borst |first=Don |date=July 30, 1995 |title=Vancouver waits patiently for baseball franchise |page=D7 |work=The News Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120889083/vancouver-waits-patiently-for-baseball/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 14, 2023 |archive-date=March 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315024026/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120889083/vancouver-waits-patiently-for-baseball/ |url-status=live }} but were unable to receive approval from MLB.{{cite news |last=Little |first=Lyndon |date=May 24, 1996 |title=B.C. Place looking to land three separate 2-game Mariners' series in '97 |page=C10 |work=The Vancouver Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120889419/bc-place-looking-to-land-three/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 14, 2023 |archive-date=March 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315024034/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120889419/bc-place-looking-to-land-three/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Little |first=Lyndon |date=March 10, 1995 |title=M's unfazed by UBL's B.C. foothold |page=A14 |work=The Vancouver Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120889301/ms-unfazed-by-ubls-bc-foothold/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 14, 2023 |archive-date=March 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315024028/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120889301/ms-unfazed-by-ubls-bc-foothold/ |url-status=live }}

In the mid-1990s, the stadium was planned to be the home of the yet-to-be named Vancouver team, a charter franchise of the United League (UL) which was planned to be a third league of MLB; it never came to fruition.{{cite news |last=Bell |first=Terry |date=August 18, 1995 |title=UBL steps to plate |page=A56 |work=The Province |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120889502/ubl-steps-to-plate/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 14, 2023 |archive-date=March 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315024034/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120889502/ubl-steps-to-plate/ |url-status=live }}[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=l9QnAAAAIBAJ&sjid=lOoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1370,2374996&dq=baseball+united-league&hl=en United League Strikes Out] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520081743/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=l9QnAAAAIBAJ&sjid=lOoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1370,2374996&dq=baseball+united-league&hl=en |date=May 20, 2016 }} The Gainesville Sun April 12, 1996.

File:SkyTrain Mark III arriving at Stadium Chinatown Station.jpg SkyTrain pulling into Stadium–Chinatown station, located adjacent to BC Place]]

The stadium is served by two SkyTrain stations on two lines: the Expo Line (TransLink)'s Stadium–Chinatown to the East, and the Canada Line's Yaletown–Roundhouse to the west. TransLink also operates several bus routes that stop near BC Place.{{cite news |last=Kiedaisch |first=Zach |date=August 17, 2021 |title=How to take transit to events at Rogers Arena and BC Place |url=https://buzzer.translink.ca/2021/08/how-to-take-transit-to-events-at-rogers-arena-and-bc-place/ |work=The Buzzer |publisher=TransLink |accessdate=March 14, 2023 |archive-date=February 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201183632/https://buzzer.translink.ca/2021/08/how-to-take-transit-to-events-at-rogers-arena-and-bc-place/ |url-status=live }} The False Creek Ferries and Aquabus also serve the stadium, docking at the nearby Plaza of Nations.

• Project of the Year for the 2012 International Stadium Business Awards{{cite web|url=https://vancouversun.com/sports/Place+overhaul+earns+stadium+award/6643070/story.html |title=BC Place overhaul earns stadium award |work=The Vancouver Sun |access-date=October 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120520161627/http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Place%2Boverhaul%2Bearns%2Bstadium%2Baward/6643070/story.html |archive-date=May 20, 2012 }}
• National Council of Structural Engineers Associations' 2012 Outstanding Project Award in the Forensic/Renovation/Retrofit/Rehabilitation Structures category{{cite web|url=http://www.ncsea.com/Awards.aspx|title=NCSEA Awards Program|publisher=NCSEA|access-date=October 26, 2012|archive-date=November 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109124613/http://www.ncsea.com/Awards.aspx|url-status=live}}
• One of the 2012 Awards of Excellence presented to GENIVAR and Geiger Engineers by the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies, Canada{{cite web|url=http://www.acec.ca/assets/pdf/events/awards/2012/AwardsPressePrix2012Eng.pdf|title=2012 Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards Press Release|publisher=ACEC|access-date=October 26, 2012|archive-date=September 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140915053111/http://www.acec.ca/assets/pdf/events/awards/2012/AwardsPressePrix2012Eng.pdf|url-status=live}}
• The 2013 ENR Global Best Project Winner for Sports/Entertainment{{cite web|url=http://enr.construction.com/people/awards/2013/0603-BC-Place-Stadium-in-Vancouver-Replaces-Its-Retractable-Roof.asp|title=Global Best Project Winner Sports/Entertainment: BC Place Revitalization|publisher=Engineering News-Record|access-date=June 3, 2013|archive-date=July 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706002020/http://enr.construction.com/people/awards/2013/0603-bc-place-stadium-in-vancouver-replaces-its-retractable-roof.asp|url-status=live}}

• List of Canadian Football League stadiums
• List of Major League Soccer stadiums
• List of soccer stadiums in Canada
• Kazimierz Górski National Stadium

{{Portal bar|Canada|Olympics|Association football|Sports}}

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{{Commons category|BC Place}}

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