Vancouver, a bustling city in British Columbia, Canada, is home to an impressive collection of stadiums and arenas that cater to a variety of sporting events and entertainment experiences.
With a strong passion for sports and a thriving local culture, Vancouver’s venues have become iconic establishments not only for the local community but also for visiting fans and tourists alike.
One of the most well-known arenas in the city is Rogers Arena, situated in the heart of downtown Vancouver. This multi-purpose venue largely hosts hockey games and is the home of the Vancouver Canucks. Apart from hockey, Rogers Arena is also the go-to place for experiencing large-scale concerts and special events.
Furthermore, other notable stadiums in the city include Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium and Mercer Stadium, offering an array of entertainment options for sports enthusiasts and locals alike.
These stadiums and arenas in Vancouver are truly an essential part of the city’s vibrant atmosphere and provide unforgettable experiences for spectators of all kinds.
Whether it’s cheering on a hometown sports team or attending a live concert, Vancouver’s venues continue to be a significant aspect of the city’s lively culture.
Popular Stadiums & Arenas in Vancouver
BC Place
BC Place is a multipurpose stadium located in the heart of Vancouver. It serves as the home for the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC of Major League Soccer (MLS).
This iconic stadium features a retractable roof and has a seating capacity of over 54,000, providing an excellent atmosphere for both professional sports events and concerts.
Some notable aspects of BC Place include:
- Retractable Roof: One of the largest cable-supported retractable roofs in the world
- Seating Capacity: Over 54,000 spectators can enjoy events comfortably within the stadium
- Versatility: Hosts soccer, football, concerts, trade shows, and various other special events
Rogers Arena
Previously known as General Motors Place, Rogers Arena is an indoor sports arena situated in downtown Vancouver.
It is primarily known as the home of the Vancouver Canucks, a National Hockey League (NHL) team.
Rogers Arena has a capacity of approximately 18,910 for hockey games, making it a great venue for fans to experience the excitement of professional sports.
Key features of Rogers Arena include:
- Indoor Arena: Offers a perfect environment for sports and concerts, regardless of the weather outside
- Seating Capacity: Accommodates up to 18,910 spectators for hockey games and over 19,000 for concerts
- Diverse Events: In addition to Canucks games, Rogers Arena hosts a wide variety of events, including concerts, comedy shows, and other sporting events
Both BC Place and Rogers Arena contribute to Vancouver’s vibrant sports culture and offer exciting experiences for fans and visitors alike.
History of Stadiums & Arenas in Vancouver
Evolution of Venues
In the late 70s, the idea of building a stadium in Vancouver was proposed by Erwin Swangard. After conducting research and receiving approval from the Premier of British Columbia Bill Bennett, funds were provided for the construction of a sports facility.
This led to the development of BC Place Stadium. Designed by Phillips Barratt, it opened its doors on June 19, 1983 on the north shore of the industrial area of False Creek. Today, it is the largest indoor community gathering space in Western Canada.
Another significant venue in Vancouver’s history is the now-demolished Denman Arena. Previously located at Denman and Georgia streets, this venue holds the honor of being the only place where Vancouver has won a Stanley Cup.
In 1995, Rogers Arena was completed, with a cost of C$160 million in private financing. It was built to replace the aging Pacific Coliseum as the main venue for events in Vancouver. Primarily, Rogers Arena serves as the home arena for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League and previously served as the home for the Vancouver Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association.
Significant Events
Over the years, various stadiums and arenas in Vancouver have hosted a range of historic events. BC Place Stadium is well known for its iconic events, such as the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
The venue also played host to the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the prestigious Grey Cup in 1983, 1999, 2005, 2011, and 2014.
Rogers Arena has had its fair share of notable events as well, including hosting games during the 2010 Winter Olympics and being the venue for countless concerts, featuring globally renowned artists.
Together, these venues have played a significant role in shaping Vancouver’s sports and entertainment landscape, with many memorable moments taking place within their walls.
Accessibility & Transportation
Public Transit Options
Vancouver boasts a well-developed public transit system that makes it easy for both locals and visitors to reach its stadiums and arenas.
Major venues like Rogers Arena and BC Place are conveniently located in downtown Vancouver, offering easy access through the area’s public transit options. Here are the main options available:
- SkyTrain: Both Rogers Arena and BC Place are serviced by Stadium-Chinatown Station on the Expo Line and Millennium Line, making SkyTrain your best bet for reaching these destinations quickly. You could also take the Canada Line to Yaletown-Roundhouse Station and walk across theCambie bridge.
- Bus: Numerous bus routes, such as route 19 (Metrotown/Stanley Park), provide easy access to the areas surrounding the stadiums. With stops in the West End or Mount Pleasant areas and in close proximity to popular venues, taking a bus can be a convenient option for visitors who are already nearby.
Parking Facilities
For those who prefer to drive, parking facilities are available in the vicinity of the stadiums and arenas in Vancouver.
Please note the availability and prices of parking may vary depending on the venue and the event. To make it easier, here are some tips:
- Rogers Arena: There are multiple parking lots surrounding Rogers Arena, including the Jameson Parking Lot and Costco Impark that usually offer event parking rates.
- BC Place: The venue itself offers four levels of secure underground parking, accessible from Griffiths Way. Additional parking lots are situated close by, including Impark Lot 941, Impark Lot 906, and City of Vancouver Parking.
By utilizing Vancouver’s public transit options or taking advantage of nearby parking facilities, fans and attendees can experience a hassle-free and enjoyable time at the city’s stadiums and arenas.
Facilities & Services
Concessions and Restaurants
Vancouver’s arenas and stadiums offer a variety of concessions and restaurants for visitors to enjoy.
At Rogers Arena, fans can find various food options ranging from traditional stadium fare like hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn, to local favorites like sushi and poutine. For those looking for sit-down dining options, the arena also features several full-service restaurants, such as the Encore Suite and the Club 500 Lounge.
BC Place is another popular venue with an array of dining choices for event-goers. The stadium houses numerous concession stands that serve a mix of classic stadium eats and more unique items like gluten-free and vegetarian options.
BC Place also features the BC Lions Den, a sit-down restaurant that offers a buffet-style dining experience during events.
Amenities for People with Disabilities
Vancouver arenas and stadiums are committed to providing accessible facilities and services to all visitors. Rogers Arena offers wheelchair-accessible seating throughout the venue, as well as designated parking spots and accessible elevators.
The arena also features assisted listening devices, available for fans upon request.
Similarly, BC Place has dedicated wheelchair spaces in various sections of the stadium, with adjacent companion seating.
Additionally, the venue is equipped with accessible parking, elevators, and ramps to ensure ease of movement for all guests. At BC Place, patrons with hearing impairments can also take advantage of the assistive listening system by requesting a device during their visit.
Both venues strive to make the stadium experience enjoyable and accessible for all fans, regardless of their individual needs.
James is a big time NBA Golden State follower, who makes sure to catch games when he's in the area. He likes to follow International Soccer, with an interest in small town soccer club, Blackburn Rovers located in the North on the UK.