Rennovations at BC Place

[Macksam]

So how exactly are they planning to make it more soccer friendly?

[carnifex2005]

All I've heard is that for soccer the seats can be moved so that they are closer to field level and special drapes for the upper deck to make the stadium have a more intimate feel.

[loben52]

looking at the artist renderings, it looks very "europeanesque".. 60k strong to watch a football (soccer) game would be awesome.. heard they were moving the seats closer. Does anyone know about the pitch?

[Johnnie Monster]

Lenarduzzi was on the radio yesterday and said seats will be brought right into the endzones and sidelines.

That's in addition to a complete interior and exterior renovation to be complete by 2010. Work on the retractable roof commences immediately after the Olympics.

[Durian Durian]

Maybe finally we'll get first picks on the NT games, or host a Gold Cup with this park and Canada maybe (might, just a maybe) have h(d)ome field advantage like an Azteca (but this is years in the future).

Off season and summer friendlies with large European clubs like the NASL used to do with the Trans-Atlantic Challenge Cup might be likely if they have the option to expand the capacity like they would with intentionally designed drapes.

I'm sure they've considered the intimacy of soccer when doing renovations. FIFA also has rules against large walls so close to the field after some players died in Eastern Europe and South America, so I think seating would be mandatory behind the pitch and sightlines would be considered when taking into account CFL endzones and the extra space needed. The lower bowl would likely be the only thing open except for playoff games and big ticket games like Beckham and the Galaxy (I'm sure there will be more clubs with stars like him).

[Macksam]

Sounds interesting. The artist rendering I think shows how the stadium looks right now, plus the new roof.

[NF-FC]

when are the renovations starting, what does it all include?

[Johnnie Monster]

Renos start after the current CFL season IIRC, although the bulk of the work will commence in 2009.

The roof is the last thing to be done. Work starts in 2010 AFTER the Olympics, but it will be finished BEFORE the Caps 2011 season.

[TO2988]

I am a TFC fan and I'm all for Vancouver getting a team.
I think the Whitecaps should stay in BC Place.
BC Place can be used for a world Cup bid in 2022 or 2026

Toronto NFL Stadium 80,000 seats
Olympic Stadium renovation 65,000
Commonwealth Stadium 60,000 + 5,000 on the endzone
BC Place 60,000
BMO Field 40-50,000
Saputo Stadium 40,000
new Winnipeg Stadium 40,000 + temporary seats
new Hamilton Stadium 40,000 + temporary seats
renovation of Frank Clair Stadium 40,000 + temporary seats

hopefully
New Calgary Stadium 45,000
Halifax Stadium 42,000
Saskatoon Stadium or Mosaic Stadium renovation 45,000
London if they get into the CFL 40,000
Quebec City when they get into the CFL 40,000