BC Place
Stadium Covered stadium in Vancouver hosting sports and concerts
BC Place sits on Vancouver’s False Creek edge and hosts CFL and MLS fixtures, concerts and conventions; its 2011 roof renovation added a retractable canopy and event lighting visible from nearby promenades.
BC Place is a large covered stadium in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, used for professional sports, concerts and special events. The facility first opened in 1983 and underwent a major roof and interior redevelopment completed in 2011.
The stadium has a seating capacity of roughly 54,000 for sporting events and can be configured for larger concert audiences. The modern roof and upgraded facilities support year-round events in an otherwise rainy coastal climate.
BC Place has been the site of major national and international events, including hosting indoor ceremonies during the 2010 Winter Olympics and serving as the home venue for the BC Lions (CFL) and Vancouver Whitecaps FC (MLS). Its central location links it to Vancouver’s downtown, convention and entertainment districts.
Geographically the stadium sits on the north side of False Creek in central Vancouver, within easy reach of public transit and the city’s waterfront.
- Primary tenants and uses: Home stadium for the CFL's BC Lions and Major League Soccer's Vancouver Whitecaps FC, hosting both sports and large concerts.
- Roof and major events: Originally opened in 1983, the original air-supported roof was replaced by a fixed retractable cable-supported roof in 2011 and the venue was used for ceremonies during the 2010 Winter Olympics.
How to Get to BC Place #
BC Place sits in downtown Vancouver beside Pacific Boulevard and BC Place Way. Take SkyTrain’s Expo Line to Stadium-Chinatown station and walk roughly 5 minutes to the stadium along Pacific Boulevard. From Vancouver International Airport (YVR) it’s roughly 12-15 km to downtown via the Arthur Laing Bridge/BC‑99 and Granville Street, typically a 20-30 minute drive depending on traffic.
Tips for Visiting BC Place #
- On event days use public transit - Stadium-Chinatown (Expo Line) or Yaletown-Roundhouse (Canada Line) and a short walk will usually be faster than driving and avoids scarce stadium parking.
- If you're arriving by car, pre-book parking where possible; leaving immediately after an event often means long traffic queues, so allow an extra 30-60 minutes or wait in nearby restaurants/pubs until pedestrian flows subside.
- Check the event organiser's entry gate information on your ticket - different gates open at different times for premium and general admission, so knowing your assigned entrance speeds entry and avoids wandering the concourses.
Best Time to Visit BC Place #
BC Place is usable year-round; choose dates based on event schedules - expect peak crowds during major sports seasons and summer concert periods.
Weather & Climate near BC Place #
Temperate climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 23°C. Abundant rainfall (1745 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (236 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (166 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
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July
July is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (176 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (278 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (234 mm).
