BC Place is celebrating 40 years of operation. As Western Canada’s largest multi-purpose event venue, BC Place has hosted more than 36 million guests at live events such as international sporting events, world-class concerts, community events, and trade and consumer shows.
“Since opening in 1983 ahead of Expo ’86, BC Place has remained a community staple,” said Gwendolyn Point, board chair at B.C. Pavilion Corporation, the provincial Crown Corporation governing BC Place. “BC Place is more than just a stadium; it is a vibrant hub that unites us in celebration and embraces our shared love for entertainment. We are grateful to the millions of guests who have walked through our doors, each playing an invaluable role in shaping the last four decades.”
Over the past 40 years, BC Place has hosted hundreds of sporting events including BC Lions and Vancouver Whitecaps FC games, nine Grey Cup Championships, HSBC’s Canada Sevens, FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015, and Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Renowned artists such as Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Madonna have performed at BC Place and in 2023 BC Place will host seven concerts by internationally recognized artists including Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, and Coldplay. In 2024, the Grey Cup Championship will return to BC Place and in 2026, BC Place will welcome the world as Vancouver’s host stadium for FIFA World Cup 2026.
“Reaching this milestone is a testament to the dedication and support of our staff, partners, and the community over the past 40 years,” said Ken Cretney, president and CEO of B.C. Pavilion Corporation. “We are immensely proud of the role BC Place has played in shaping Vancouver’s entertainment landscape and fostering a sense of community spirit.”
To celebrate the milestone, BC Place has launched a contest and guests of the stadium can also expect to see activations and surprises throughout 2023.
“BC Place has evolved tremendously over the last four decades, and we’re only just getting started” said Chris May, general manager at BC Place. “We have big plans ahead and look forward to carrying on our legacy as we pave a new and exciting pathway, exploring innovative ways to utilize our facility, and becoming even more connected to the community.”
