Nov 15, 2025
·Mary Callahan
Dominating the Vancouver skyline with its futuristic roof and nightly light displays, BC Place is one of Canada’s most iconic sports and entertainment venues. From CFL football and MLS soccer to concerts, world tournaments and even Olympic ceremonies, it’s a stadium that brings the world to British Columbia.
Stadium Overview
Address: 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6B 4Y8
Opened: 1983 (renovated 2009–2011)
Capacity: Around 54,500 for football and concerts; about 22,000 for soccer
Tenants: BC Lions (CFL), Vancouver Whitecaps FC (MLS)
Operator: PavCo (BC Pavilion Corporation)
Renovation & Design Highlights
Originally built with an air-supported dome, BC Place underwent a major $563 million transformation between 2009 and 2011. The inflatable roof was replaced with a cable-supported retractable roof, the largest of its kind in the world.
Other design highlights include:
A “Northern Lights” LED lighting system illuminating the roofline nightly.
One of the largest center-hung high-definition video screens in North America.
Over 1,000 digital screens and stadium-wide Wi-Fi.
The BC Sports Hall of Fame, located at Gate A.
Landmark Moments & Events
BC Place has been the stage for countless historic moments, including:
2010 Winter Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
The 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final.
Hosting the Grey Cup multiple times, most recently in 2011.
World Rugby Sevens Series tournaments each spring.
Record-setting concerts, including Ed Sheeran’s 2023 show with over 65,000 fans.
Upcoming matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Canada playing group stage games here.
Getting There
Public Transit
BC Place is located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, making it easy to access:
SkyTrain Expo Line: Stadium–Chinatown Station is right next door.
Canada Line: Yaletown–Roundhouse Station is a short walk away.
Local buses and bike paths also serve the area.
Parking
While there’s no on-site garage, public parking lots surround the stadium. Expect to pay between $10–30 on event days, with cheaper options available a few blocks farther out. Rideshare services and drop-off zones are also available near designated gates.
Seating & Ticketing
Football Configuration: 54,500 seats, with excellent views throughout.
Soccer Setup: Upper deck is closed off, creating a more intimate atmosphere for Vancouver Whitecaps matches with around 22,000 seats.
Premium Options: Dozens of luxury suites and club seating areas with upscale food and beverage options.
General Admission & Concerts: Floor seating for concerts and flexible configurations for special events.
Gates typically open 90–120 minutes before events. Mobile ticketing is standard and a clear-bag policy is enforced.
Food & Drink
BC Place offers something for everyone:
Classic stadium eats like hot dogs, nachos and burgers.
Local Vancouver favorites including poutine, sushi and Asian-inspired dishes.
A strong lineup of craft beer, cocktails and BC wines.
Mobile ordering and self-checkout kiosks make it easy to skip the lines.
Atmosphere & Fan Experience
The energy inside BC Place changes with the event:
BC Lions games bring passionate CFL fans, especially during playoff runs.
Whitecaps FC matches feature a vibrant soccer atmosphere, complete with chants and flags.
Concerts showcase stunning acoustics and lighting, with the roof closed for intimate sound or open to the Vancouver sky.
Special Events like the Canada Sevens rugby weekend are a fan-favorite party atmosphere.
Policies & Tips
Bag Policy: Clear bags only, no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”.
Cashless: Most concessions and shops are card or mobile-pay only.
Accessibility: The stadium offers accessible seating, elevators, ADA restrooms and drop-off areas near gates.
Arrive Early: Downtown traffic and crowds can be heavy—plan to arrive with time to spare.
Why BC Place Stands Out
With its distinctive roofline, nightly LED glow and reputation for world-class events, BC Place is more than a stadium—it’s a Vancouver landmark. Its history ranges from Olympic ceremonies to global concerts and its future includes hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Few venues combine such a central location, modern amenities and iconic presence.
Plan Your Visit with SeatGeek
Whether you’re catching a BC Lions game, cheering for the Whitecaps, or seeing your favorite artist live, BC Place promises an unforgettable experience. SeatGeek makes it easy to browse tickets, compare seats and plan the perfect trip to Vancouver’s premier sports and entertainment venue.