VANCOUVER, BC - BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo) is pleased to announce the revitalization of BC Place is scheduled to be complete by Friday, September 30, 2011.
The 36 masts and compression beams that make up the steel superstructure of the new retractable roof at BC Place are now in place. The cable-net system to support the new fabric roof is now being installed, and the entire revitalization project is on schedule for completion by September 30.
In true sports tradition, the decision about which team will have the opportunity to play first in BC Place was recently decided by a coin toss in a downtown Vancouver office. However, the dates and details of the first BC Lions and Vancouver Whitecaps FC games at BC Place will be confirmed by the Canadian Football League (CFL) and Major League Soccer (MLS) when they issue their respective 2011 schedules in the near future.
“There’s still a lot of work to do of course, but we have an exceptional team of skilled tradespeople, designers, engineers, and construction professionals involved in this project,” said David Podmore, chair of the BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo).
“Our September 30 scheduled completion is also dependent on weather or other factors beyond our control. While we will do our level best to be ready on that date, we will, of course, always put the safety of our talented and dedicated workers ahead of any other consideration. Nonetheless, construction at BC Place is progressing so well, that we are now at a point where we can confidently set the re-opening date,” Podmore added. “By committing to completion by September 30th, the BC Lions, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and their respective leagues are now able to finalize their plans for 2011.”
About BC Place
BC Place is the largest sports, exhibition, and entertainment venue of its kind in British Columbia, hosting the province’s most notable events including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
BC Place is undergoing a major revitalization that includes the installation of the largest cable-supported retractable roof of its kind in the world. Upon re-opening, BC Place will become the new home for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC MLS franchise, will continue to be home to the BC Lions Football Club and the BC Sports Hall of Fame, and will host the CFL Grey Cup in 2011, the 2011 Vanier Cup, plus many other exhibitions, and community and entertainment events. For more information, please visit www.bcplace.com.
