All posts tagged with: Whitecaps FC

LA Galaxy’s David Beckham at BC Place vs the Vancouver White Caps.

On Wednesday, July 18, BC Place was a sell-out for the LA Galaxy vs Vancouver White Caps MLS soccer match. White Caps soccer matches typically have a great turnout, but Vancouverites game out to get a glimpse of the European soccer legend, David Beckham.

David Beckham drew a sell-out crowd at BC Place

In the first half the Vancouver White Caps played strong against the LA Galaxy, leading the way 2-0. But half-way through the second half, fans had the opportunity to see Beckham score not one, but two goals against the White Caps, ending the game at a tie, 2-2.

Opening game ceremonies

In 1954 Empire Stadium opened on the East side of the Pacific National Exhibition Grounds in Vancouver, BC. It was built for the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games and would become the home of the BC Lions until 1982 when they moved to BC Place stadium in downtown Vancouver.

The BC Lions and Whitecaps FC both moved to a temporary location, Empire Field, in 2010, when BC Place began a $563 million renovation.

Empire Field is a temporary stadium that can seat over 20,000 people. It is located in the same spot as the original Empire Stadium, which is now known as Hastings Park.

Once BC Place re-opens on September 30, 2011, Empire Field will once again be demolished and revert back to a regular local playing field.

If you haven’t done it already, you only have until late September to experience the thrill of an outdoor game at Empire Field. There’s nothing like the fresh air, scenic views of the North Shore Mountains and the thunderous pounding on the steel bleachers when the home team scores a goal.

This is your final opportunity to visit this unique sporting venue in Vancouver before is becomes another part of the city’s history; be sure to be a part of it.

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The new retractable roof on BC Place nears completion (August 2, 2011)

Following the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, BC Place began a $563-million renovation. 16-months later, with less than two months left until opening day, BC Place is almost ready to re-open to the public.

The largest investment was removing the old Teflon inflatable roof and replacing it with a new cable-supported retractable roof.

The common areas, concessions, washrooms, and dressing rooms have been renovated and updated to give the building a fresh, new look.

In the playing area, there will be new sound and lighting system installed, and a four-sided electronic video-board, which will all be suspended from the centre support structure.

The playing field will be an all-weather playing surface with a concert floor cover for concerts and events.

The exterior plaza will also receive a facelift, including a new memorial for Terry Fox, replacing the previously aging monument.

The revitalization project is expected to prolong the life of BC Place Stadium for another 40 years with projected economic impacts of $100 million per year.

BC Place stadium is set to open on Friday, September 30, 2011 for the BC Lions home game vs the Edmonton Eskimos, and will host the 2011 Grey Cup on November 27, 2011.