When construction started in 1981 and the stadium was opened on June 19, 1983, the BC Place multipurpose stadium in Vancouver, BC, Canada became the world’s largest air-supported domed stadium.
The BC Place stadium has been a central showcase for the city of Vancouver and an iconic addition to its skyline. The huge white domed stadium became a signature landmark for Vancouver with both tourists and residents alike.
Less than a year after it’s completion, BC Place stadium was the site of Pope John Paul II papal visit to Vancouver, BC on September 18, 1984. Over 65,000 people attended the “Celebration of Life” event marking one of the highest attendance records in the stadiums history.
BC Place Stadium was completed in 1983 as part of the preparation for Expo 86, one of the most successful World’s Fairs ever held. Its 60,000 plus seating capacity played host to the opening and closing ceremonies of Expo 86.
On Friday, May 2, 1986 Prince of Wales Charles and the late Diana, Princess of Wales, officially opened Expo 86. The city of Vancouver was suddenly on the map with the spotlight of the world shinning on it and the White Dome of BC Place.
Since it’s opening, it has played host to many concerts from musical artists and bands from around the world. Some of the most memorable moments have to be when BC Place held sold-out shows for the late pop icon Michael Jackson and current pop icon Madonna among others.
The stadium is also home to the province’s largest trade and consumer shows, including the Vancouver International Boat Show, BC Home and Garden Show, and the Pacific International Auto Show. Furthermore, major events are taking place over 200 days each year at BC Place, which makes this stadium a lively place nearly everyday of the year.
In recent years BC Place has become known as the home of the CFL’s BC Lions football team since 1983. It has also hosted the CFL’s Grey Cup championship games in 1983, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1994, 1999, and 2005.
Above all else though, BC Place had the distinct privilege of opening and closing the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games from February 12 – 28, 2010 with attendees and TV audiences from around the world.
Now for the first time in BC Place’s nearly 27-year history of operations though, the stadium will be shutdown momentarily when the roof will be deflated on Monday, May 3, 2010 at 10:00 AM. This is all part of the stadium’s evolution to construct a new cable-supported retractable roof, which will be the largest of its kind in the world.
Set for completion in 2011, the renovation “will bring new and exciting business opportunities and expanded revenue” as BCPlaceStadium.com reports that the revenue generated by fiscal year end 2007 was $58.1 million.
The deflation itself will take up to one hour, with crowds of people expected to flood the downtown Vancouver area to watch the scene. After the roof is completely deflated, crews on hand will begin removing the fabric roofing material and steel cables that have supported the roof since 1982.
However, it should be noted that this is not the only time the roof at BC Place will be deflated. There was a tear that occurred on January 5, 2007 that caused the roof to deflate and lay rested on its steel support cables 20 feet above the seating and ground. When inflated, the roof is normally risen 90 feet above the stadium’s ground space. Thankfully nobody was injured as the stadium was empty at the time, but the stadium did suffer further damage when melted snow flooded the bowl and had to be pumped out.
So at 10:00 AM on Monday 3, 2010 the Vancouver skyline will be changed forever. The once majestic White Dome of the BC Place stadium will fade into history and no longer be the most recognizable feature of this iconic structure for the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
