BC Place joins 19,000+ B.C. Businesses in Recognizing Tourism Week!

May 30^th, 2018

BC Place Stadium is proud to join more than 19,000 businesses, communities, cities and regions around British Columbia in recognizing Tourism Week — May 27 to June 2, 2018.

2017 was record-breaking year for tourism in B.C.; our province welcomed more than 5.7 million international visitors – up 3.3% over 2016. Looking ahead, 2018 is poised to be a record-year for the B.C. tourism industry as well!

BC Place is an integral part of B.C.’s growing tourism industry. Every year, the events hosted at B.C.’s premier stadium generate more than $100 million in economic impact in the province of British Columbia!

The Positive Impact of Tourism in British Columbia

·        Tourism is a key economic driver and one of BC’s competitive strengths in the world economy. British Columbia’s tourism industry generated revenue of $17 billion in 2016, an increase of 7.9% over 2015, and a 39.3% increase from 2006.

·        Events such as the Canada Sevens at BC Place attract thousands of guests from outside B.C. These guests provide business development opportunities for local residents through the purchase of hotel rooms, local hospitality services, and goods and services produced by B.C. businesses.

·        In 2017, events at BC Place generated $128 million in economic impact within our province, with an estimated $26 million being contributed by visitors from outside B.C.

·        Tourism supports well-paying jobs across a diverse range of related industries; tourism provides a job for roughly 1 out of every 16 people employed in the province.

·        Tourism offers incredible benefits for visitors, but also delivers important social, cultural and economic benefits for B.C. residents.

·        For more information about tourism in British Columbia, check out the Destination BC Fact Sheet.

Sport Tourism in Canada

·        Sport Tourism across Canada represents more than $5.2 billion in annual spending by domestic and international visitors. (Statistics Canada 2014). 

·        Sport tourism is the fastest growing segment of Canada’s tourism industry.

·        International tourism receipts totaled $1.03 trillion in 2013 with an estimated 10% attributed to sport related travel.

During Tourism Week, May 27 and June 2, BC Place encourages B.C. residents and tourism businesses to share stories about the power of tourism, because #BCTourismMatters.

About Tourism Week

Tourism Week is a national, grassroots initiative that brings attention to the economic opportunity available to Canada, and British Columbia, through travel and tourism. Tourism Week aligns tourism organizations, businesses and other partners from across the country and around BC over a common vision: a tourism sector unencumbered by policies and recognized for its contribution to the Canadian economy.

About BC Place Stadium

BC Place is the largest multipurpose venue of its kind in the province of British Columbia, hosting sport, exhibitions, community events and live entertainment, right in the heart of Downtown Vancouver. We’re proud to be home of the BC Lions Football Club, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the Canada Sevens and the BC Sports Hall of Fame. Each year, the stadium welcomes more than one million guests to events ranging from football, soccer and high school sports, to consumer shows, community and special events, fun fairs and world-class concerts.

Hundreds of Kids visit BC Place for the Annual KIDS Play Foundation Super Soccer Tournament!

May 29^th, 2018

This past Monday, May 28th, BC Place hosted one of the most important events of the year as hundreds of Vancouver school kids participated in the KIDS Play Foundation Soccer Tournament.

KIDS Play is a non-profit organization that works towards keeping kids away from a lifestyle of drugs, gangs, and violence. The Super Soccer Tournament is KIDS Play’s flagship event, and attracted hundreds of local youth and dozens of volunteers to the same pitch where the Vancouver Whitecaps and BC Lions play. The goal of the non-competitive Super Soccer Tournament is to engage inner-city youth by providing a unique experience, which in turn leads to developing a connection with youth at an early age and encourage positive mentorship.

The first Super Soccer Tournament was held at Strathcona Park, but has grown to become another highly anticipated annual community event at BC Place Stadium. The success of this event is a result of the hard work and dedication of hundreds of volunteers, partners including the Whitecaps FC, and generous sponsors.

Working with community-focused partners and sponsors, the KIDS Play Foundation hosts sports tournaments, conferences, and other projects for young people to learn about the opportunities they can seize within life. BC Place is proud to host the KIDS Play Foundation’s Super Soccer Tournament – an annual community event that is focused on making a difference in the lives of young British Columbians. We look forward to welcoming KIDS Play back in 2019!

Congratulations, Sun Runners!

May 23^rd, 2018

BC Place was proud to host more than 40,000 participants on April 22nd as part of Canada’s largest running event - the 34th annual Vancouver Sun Run!

Runners, walkers, and everyone participating were lucky to have a beautiful sunny day for the 10km course which started in downtown Vancouver and finished at BC Place Stadium.

We were also proud of the BC Place Team who competed in this year’s race! The BC Place Team included more than 20 team members representing several departments. Together they achieved an impressive team average time of 54:36 for the 10km race!

BC Place sends a huge THANK YOU and congratulations to everyone who competed, participated, volunteered, and helped make this another outstanding event for the community. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for the 2019 Vancouver Sun Run – where the BC Place Team will be aiming to raise the bar once again!