Waterfront Stadium FAQ

 1. What is the proposed Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium?

The Vancouver Whitecaps have submitted a proposal to the City of Vancouver to build an outdoor stadium that would become home to the Vancouver Whitecaps as well as a venue for a variety of sporting and non-sporting events such as international soccer and rugby, outdoor concerts, Vancouver Symphony, and ethnic and community festivals. The proposed stadium would seat 15,000 spectators and could be expanded to 30,000 seats in the coming years. The stadium would be built just north of the CP Rail tracks (near the Seabus) on the waterfront between Granville and Richards Streets, with views of Burrard Inlet and the North Shore Mountains. See the Renderings.

2. What impact would the proposed stadium have on surrounding neighbourhoods?

The addition of a world class venue would create new activity in the City which would bring people downtown and generate significant positive economic impacts. The proposed stadium would also contribute to the social fabric of the community through the continued revitalization of the Gastown Neighbourhood & Downtown Eastside. In addition to hosting world class events, the stadium will be a showcase for community and cultural activities. Charles GauthierExecutive Director, Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association"The Whitecaps are doing more than thinking about soccer. This new stadium fits with our downtown skyline, uses transit the way it was meant to be used, and opens up opportunities for other sports, concerts, and community events. It will be another reason why downtown Vancouver is the place to be."

3. How can the community become involved with the project?

On January 23, 2007, Vancouver city staff submitted a report to Council which recommends a process that could potentially resolve the proposed Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium’s five key requirements set out by City Council last July. In addition, the report outlines a procedure to integrate the stadium with the Waterfront Hub Study. The report will be presented at a City Council meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 1. The recommended process is scheduled to be completed in June 2007, at that time Council will decide whether the five key requirements can be resolved sufficiently to proceed to a rezoning process. As part of the process there will be a number of opportunities for the public to provide input on the proposal through one-on-one meetings, public open houses and workshops. We will update our homepage as soon as these details become available, so check back often. In addition, you can also do the following: Write a letter or email to Vancouver City Council Join the Whitecaps Stadium Insider for periodic updates and opportunities to get involved Visit either the Friends of Soccer or Stadium Now websites to get involved with these supporter groups.

 4. What would be the name of the proposed new stadium?

Will name sponsorship be an option?The working name during the initial phase is Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium. A permanent name has not been finalized; however, there is a desire to have Whitecaps in the name. Corporate naming options may be explored.

5. Where would the proposed Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium be located?

The stadium would be located on the waterfront just northwest of historic Gastown, adjacent to Waterfront Station and in the heart of Vancouver's commercial and tourist district. It would offer a spectacular view of Burrard Inlet and the North Shore Mountains. The stadium would be attached to the SeaBus, SkyTrain, West Coast Express and is within walking distance of Harbour Lynx, floatplanes and Helijet terminals.See the Site.

6. What would be the most convenient way to reach the proposed Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium?

The proposed Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium would be attached to the main transit hub of Vancouver. The stadium would be built with direct access to SeaBus, SkyTrain, West Coast Express and the new RAV line. It would also be located near the Harbour Lynx, floatplanes and Helijet terminals. In addition, there are over 15,000 parking stalls within a five minute walk of the proposed stadium and 30,000 within a 15 minute walk.

7. What is the construction timeline?

On January 23, 2007, Vancouver city staff submitted a report to Council which recommends a process that could potentially resolve the proposed Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium’s five key requirements set out by City Council last July. The recommended process is scheduled to be completed in June 2007, at that time Council will decide whether the five key requirements can be resolved sufficiently to proceed to a rezoning process. If approved, the stadium will follow a timeline which would see it ready in early 2010.

8. What would the proposed Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium be used for?

The stadium would host more than 30 Whitecaps Men's and Women's games, Canadian National Team and international matches, outdoor concerts, international rugby matches, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra performances, ethnic and community festivals plus much more!Sarah McLachlanCanadian Singer/Songwriter"It looks like it will be an amazing stadium. As a Vancouverite, I am so happy that our city will finally have a world-class outdoor venue for concerts and music festivals."

9. How many seats would Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium house?

In the initial design phase the stadium is scheduled to open with 15,000 seats with the ability to expand to 30,000 seats with demand.