Located in downtown Vancouver at 777 Pacific Boulevard, BC Place Stadium is one of the city’s most iconic sports and entertainment venues. Home to the BC Lions football team and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC soccer team, the stadium also hosts concerts, exhibitions, and large-scale public events year-round.
BC Place Stadium – Home of Major Sports and Events in Vancouver
BC Place is just a short walk from Rogers Arena and easily accessible from both Pacific Boulevard and Beatty Street. It’s close to popular hotels such as the YWCA Hotel, Sandman Vancouver Downtown and The DOUGLAS, making it a convenient destination for visitors.
Stadium Features and History
Originally constructed for Expo 86, BC Place has a seating capacity of up to 54,500. It underwent major renovations in 2011, replacing its air-supported roof with a retractable steel roof, the largest of its kind in the world. The stadium is also equipped with the second largest LED screen in the world and wraps its interior with vibrant LED lighting.
Notable past events include:
- Opening and closing ceremonies for the 2010 Winter Olympics
- 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup matches, including the final
- The 111th Grey Cup
- Taylor Swift’s sold-out concerts
- Invictus Games 2025
- Upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup matches
Venue Layout and Amenities
BC Place has multiple levels, including a lower bowl with around 28,000 seats and an upper bowl, both surrounded by full concourses. The stadium’s retractable roof provides flexibility, making it suitable for events in all weather conditions.
In recent years, the stadium has implemented modern updates including the following:
- Mobile ticketing only – no printed tickets are accepted
- Cashless transactions – all purchases must be made via card, mobile payment, or a BC Place gift card
- Clear bag policy – only clear bags (12” x 12” x 6”) or small purses (6.5” x 8.5”) are permitted. All other similar items must be checked at the entrance
- GBAC STAR Accreditation – the first Canadian stadium to receive this international standard for cleanliness and infectious disease prevention
Home Teams at BC Place
BC Place hosts two of Vancouver’s major professional sports franchises. They are the following:
- BC Lions – the CFL team plays home games from June to November
- Vancouver Whitecaps FC – the city’s top-tier soccer club plays from spring through fall
Events Hosted at BC Place
In addition to sports, BC Place hosts a variety of popular annual events such as the following:
The venue’s versatility also makes it a sought-after venue for major concerts, exhibitions, and global sporting tournaments.
BC Sports Hall of Fame
Inside BC Place, visitors can explore the BC Sports Hall of Fame, a museum showcasing the province’s greatest athletes and sports history. It features interactive displays, a climbing wall, and exhibits dedicated to both Olympic and local sports achievements.
For the sports museum’s official website, visit bcsportshall.com.
A Look Back at BC Place’s Origins
Construction on BC Place began in 1980 and the stadium opened in 1983 with the world’s largest air-supported roof. The stadium played a key role during Expo 86, which was the World Fair in 1986. Over time, weather-related damage exposed the need for an upgrade, leading to the replacement of the inflatable dome after the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Today, BC Place is a modern landmark equipped for hosting high-calibre events in the heart of downtown Vancouver. From historic sports moments to world-famous concerts, the stadium remains a central pillar of the city’s entertainment scene.
For more information about events and performances at the stadium, see the BC Place Stadium website.
To learn about other event venues, check out our pages about the Vancouver Convention Centre and the TRADEX Centre.