One of the most recognizable sites in Vancouver is looking a little beat up today, BC Place, home of the BC Lions, numerous big time concerts, conventions, monster jam truck shows as well as numerous trade shows. In 2010 it was to be the anticipated locale of the opening and closing ceremonies for the winter Olympics, once again at the centre of one of the province's major events.
Friday the showcase of False creek was hit by strong winds, sleet and rain. A visit from Mother Nature Friday afternoon, that has left a gaping hole in one of the panels and a stream of water cascading into the stadium.
The twenty three year old stadium on False Creek has long been the subject of discussion in the Lower Mainland, a money pit that doesn't generate much in the way of revenues but still is a symbol of Vancouver's greatest moments.
Whether it was a Grey Cup championship featuring the home town Lions, the arrival of Sir Mick and his band, Bono and the boys or the ever popular Vancouver boat show, BC Place has provided the setting for some great moments for the province.
Over the last few years there has been some discussion on what to do with the structure, with many suggesting a more scaled down and outdoor facility would be more in line with the current needs of the city. Forgetting it seems, the very reason for the building and ironically the reason for today's misadventure, Vancouver's traditionally wet and windy weather from November through to April.
BC Place's problem it seems for many is its very strength, its location. There are few North American stadiums located in the heart of the downtown area, conveniently located on the main transit system link. While traffic is always a problem in Vancouver, jam 60,000 into the stadium and you have an even larger case of gridlock coming your way, yet if the goal is to bring people into your downtown area, then BC Place more than fits the bill.
For many BC Place sits on some prime land that could be better developed for commercial or residential uses, they would much rather have the big marshmallow torn down to make way for more office towers and condos.
One would hope they lose their bid. BC Place has served the province well since it was built in 1983 one of the centre pieces for Expo 86, it has proven over the years that a covered stadium is a must for this coast, anyone with a lick of sense would realize that, especially after the string of storms to hit Vancouver in the last two months.
While a temporary fix will no doubt be made to get the stadium back up to standards for the upcoming trade show season, a more permanent plan needs to be made. Tearing it down should not be an option, instead, perhaps a roof such as the Rogers Skydome in Toronto could be added to the site. Giving the stadium an opportunity to be open air home on those hot summer nights in Vancouver and a warm closed refuge from the nastiest of the Vancouver elements.
For a twenty year old building, it still is probably one of the best stadiums in Canada. Hole in the roof and all. Fix it up, make it a profit generating operation and make sure that BC has a venue for the largest of shows that can be offered.
All within sight of the mountains to the north and the towers to the west.
For now though, we'll let Phil Collins offer up a tribute to one of BC's most recognizable of locations.
(Picture discovered at the canada.com site)
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