- published: 30 Sep 2011
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BC Place is a multi-purpose stadium located at the north side of False Creek, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. When originally opened on June 19, 1983, it was the world's largest air-supported stadium. It is the home field for the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC of Major League Soccer (MLS). In 2010 the stadium closed for a major renovation and reconfiguration. It reopened on September 30, 2011 as the world's largest cable supported retractable roof stadium; it is owned and operated by the BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo), a crown corporation of the province.
BC Place was the Olympic Stadium during the 2010 Winter Olympic and 2010 Paralympics and has hosted the CFL Grey Cup eight times. The BC Sports Hall of Fame is located within the stadium. The Vancouver Whitecaps of the North American Soccer League used the stadium between 1983 and 1984.
Construction of the stadium started in 1981 and was completed in 1983. BC Place was built as part of the preparations for the 1986 World's Fair, Expo 86. The stadium was the world's largest air-supported domed stadium until May 4, 2010 when it was deflated for the last time in preparation for the erection of its new retractable roof. Its original air-supported design was similar to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota which is currently home to the Minnesota Vikings National Football League team.