All 36 supporting masts are in position for new retractable roof at BC Place
January 13th, 2011
BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo) is pleased to announce that the last of the 36 masts for the new retractable roof at BC Place was lifted into place this afternoon.
Each mast is 50 metres in length and weighs approximately 240 tonnes. All of them were assembled inside the stadium and then lifted into position by a crane over the past few months.
"With the completion of this engineering milestone, the next major portion of the project is to install and tension the cable net that is being suspended from the masts, in order to support the new fabric roof," said David Podmore, Chairman of BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo). "With the completion of this key heavy-lifting phase of the project, we are confident the remaining elements will be completed on time this fall."
The retractable centre portion of the roof is the size of the playing field at BC Place, and made of flexible Tenara fabric. The outer permanently-fixed portion of the roof is made of PTFE Coated Fiberglass, and will cover all of the seating inside BC Place in all weather conditions.
About BC Place
BC Place is undergoing a major revitalization that includes the installation of the largest cable-supported retractable roof of its kind in the world. Upon re-opening in the fall of 2011, BC Place will be the new home for the Vancouver Whitecaps MLS franchise, will continue to be home to the BC Lions Football Club, and will host the CFL Grey Cup in 2011, the 2011 Vanier Cup, plus many other exhibitions, and community and entertainment events. For more information, please visit www.bcplace.com