BC Place celebrates 40th anniversary
June 14th, 2023
Invites the public to share best memories and enter contest to win tickets to every public event in 2024
VANCOUVER, BC – BC Place is celebrating 40 years of operation on June 19, 2023 and the day is being recognized by the Province of British Columbia and City of Vancouver as “BC Place 40th Anniversary Day”. As Western Canada’s largest multi-purpose event venue, BC Place has hosted more than 36 million guests at live events such as international sporting events, world-class concerts, community events, and trade and consumer shows.
- CONTACT: Email bcplacemedia@pavco.com for media inquiries.
“Since opening in 1983 ahead of Expo ’86, BC Place has remained a community staple,” said Gwendolyn Point, Board Chair at B.C. Pavilion Corporation, the provincial Crown Corporation governing BC Place. “BC Place is more than just a stadium; it is a vibrant hub that unites us in celebration and embraces our shared love for entertainment. We are grateful to the millions of guests who have walked through our doors, each playing an invaluable role in shaping the last four decades.”
Over the past 40 years, BC Place has hosted hundreds of sporting events including BC Lions and Vancouver Whitecaps FC games, nine Grey Cup Championships, HSBC’s Canada Sevens, FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015, and Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Renowned artists such as Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Madonna have performed at BC Place and in 2023 BC Place will host seven concerts by internationally recognized artists including Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, and Coldplay. In 2024, the Grey Cup Championship will return to BC Place and in 2026, BC Place will welcome the world as Vancouver’s host stadium for FIFA World Cup 2026.
“BC Place is a true catalyst for tourism and economic growth in our province,” said Lana Popham, British Columbia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “It attracts global attention and is a prime destination for visitors seeking extraordinary live sports and entertainment experiences. Throughout its history, BC Place stadium has left an indelible mark on Vancouver’s skyline and in the hearts of countless individuals who have attended its events.”
“Reaching this milestone is a testament to the dedication and support of our staff, partners, and the community over the past 40 years,” said Ken Cretney, President and CEO of B.C. Pavilion Corporation. “We are immensely proud of the role BC Place has played in shaping Vancouver’s entertainment landscape and fostering a sense of community spirit.”
To celebrate the milestone, BC Place is launching a contest from June 19 to September 30, 2023, offering British Columbians a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win two free tickets to every public event at the stadium in 2024. Guests of the stadium can also expect to see activations and surprises throughout 2023. For more information on the contest and to join the celebrations, visit BCPlace40.com.
“BC Place has evolved tremendously over the last four decades, and we’re only just getting started” said Chris May, General Manager at BC Place. “We have big plans ahead and look forward to carrying on our legacy as we pave a new and exciting pathway, exploring innovative ways to utilize our facility, and becoming even more connected to the community.”
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About BC Place
As the largest multipurpose venue of its kind in Western Canada, BC Place provides a spectacular home for international, professional and amateur sport, entertainment, commerce, cultural experiences and community gatherings for the benefit of all British Columbians.
BC Place is a part of BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo), a Provincial Crown Corporation of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport that owns and operates the Vancouver Convention Centre and BC Place.