BC PLACE

BC Place is Vancouver's major multi-purpose stadium and one of Canada's most important event venues. Opened in 1983 and later transformed with a retractable roof, it hosts the BC Lions, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, concerts, trade shows and international sporting events. Its role as a 2026 FIFA World Cup venue makes it essential for Stadiums.ca's modern Canadian stadium coverage.

BC Place is the largest stadium in Western Canada and home to the BC Lions, Vancouver Whitecaps and an endless calendar of major events. Its 2011-installed cable-supported retractable roof is the largest of its kind on Earth and the building's defining feature.

It was the centerpiece of the 2010 Winter Olympics opening and closing ceremonies — the first ever held indoors — and will host matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

54,500 full stadium; reduced soccer configurations vary

• Football54,500
• Soccer (MLS)22,120

Full-stadium and MLS configurations differ.

• Expo-era and early BC Place history
• Roof replacement and renovation
• BC Lions and Whitecaps configurations
• 2015 Women's World Cup and 2026 Men's World Cup
• Retractable roof engineering

• Opened June 19, 1983.
• Home of the BC Lions and Vancouver Whitecaps; configuration is reduced for many MLS matches.
• 2011 renovation replaced the original air-supported roof with a retractable roof.
• Selected as a Vancouver host stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

1. 1983Opens June 19 with an inflatable air-supported roof
2. 1986Centerpiece of Expo 86 World's Fair
3. 2010Hosts Winter Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies
4. 2011Reopens September 30 after $563M retractable-roof rebuild
5. 2015Hosts FIFA Women's World Cup Final
6. 2026Will host 7 matches of the FIFA Men's World Cup

Current

• BC Lions
• Vancouver Whitecaps

• 2010 Vancouver Olympics — Opening & Closing Ceremonies
• 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Final
• Multiple Grey Cups (1987, 1994, 2005, 2011, 2014, 2022, 2024)
• 2026 FIFA World Cup (host venue)

Lower-bowl midfield seats are the prime CFL and MLS experience. For concerts, sections 209–215 give an angled-but-elevated view. Premium options include the Pacific Club and BMO Field Club. The upper bowl is closed off for soccer and CFL crowds under ~45,000.

Stadium–Chinatown SkyTrain station is a 2-minute walk. The Canada Line connects directly from YVR airport with one transfer. Walking distance to Yaletown, Gastown and Chinatown.

Concession lineup includes Triple O's, Japadog, Donnelly Group beer bars and Howe Sound brewery. The TELUS Garden food district outside is a strong pre-game choice.

The roof opens for warm summer evenings and closes for Vancouver rain — both happen often.

What to check before you go

• bag policy
• prohibited items
• camera/video rules
• mobile tickets
• cashless payments
• re-entry
• accessibility entrances
• transit and parking
• door times
• food and beverage
• family washrooms
• sensory/accessibility accommodations

Official policy sources

• BC Place Guest Information

  Official guest-info hub includes clear bag policy, prohibited items, accessibility, maps and cashless payment information.

• BC Place official site

  Official source for stadium overview and roof/venue features.

• BC Place capacity changes and event configurations
• BC Place naming rights and former names
• BC Place transit, parking and arrival guide
• BC Place accessibility and family visitor notes
• BC Place seating, sightlines and atmosphere
• BC Place concert setup vs sports setup
• BC Place neighbourhood or district impact in Vancouver
• BC Place historic moments and major events timeline
• BC Place hockey rink operations and ice events
• BC Place suite, club and premium seating guide

Supporting pages should be generated only after official sources are checked; policy pages require event-specific disclaimers.

Last verified May 20, 2026

• bcplace.com
• bcplace.com
• en.wikipedia.org
• vancouverfwc26.ca