BC Place: Stadium Refurbishment | Completed

[officedweller]

Yeah, that's interesting.
The masts are supposed to sway with the wind, so those panels should have some play in them.

[dtrain]

Does anyone know if the 'celestial panels' will be able to open and close, or whether they will be air tight? More details in general on this component of roof?

[officedweller]

This is the only reference that I've seen to the panels. Likely airtight.

Thanks!

Not sure if this article has been posted before:

http://www.constructionbusiness.ca/downloads/CB_JanFeb10_roof.pdf

Below the roof eave is a 12.5 clerestory façade
clad in ETFE (Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene)
membrane — a clear fluorocarbon film. This is the
first use of this material in Canada. The material
is widely used in Europe and is the cladding the
Beijing Olympic venues, the “Water Cube” swimming
venue and the “Bird’s Nest” stadium.

...

The retractable roof is a pneumatic tensile structure
of fluoropolymer coated woven PTFE fabric.
The space between two layers is pressurized to create
cushions that span between the radial cables.
Pressure in the cushions is automatically modulated
in response to roof load. The roof is opened
by evacuating the cushions and contracting the
membrane into the center gondola of the roof
above a new center-hung video scoreboard.



Re-reading that makes me wonder if we'll have the ribs that the Warsaw stadium has, or whether the air-filled cushions will provide the arches to shed water from the roof.

[golog]

the air filled pillow is for the donut hole, to force rain/snow away from building up in the middle

does the Warsaw stadium have a retractable center?

[officedweller]

Yes, the Warsaw stadium has a retractable centre too.

[Otis_Van]

The first load of ribs was trucked inside this morning (yeah, I know, I'm watching the webcam a bit too obsessively).

[GeeCee]

mm, ribs..

[officedweller]

Thanks for the update.
Those ribs are huge - 3 of them take up a flat-bed truck!!

[SFUVancouver]

Super poor quality Blackberry photo (at night in the rain) of the first string of exterior lights being tested.

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/1567/bcplacelights.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, May 10th 2011.

[officedweller]

Nice!
Great luck that you were passing by.

[vanman]

Super poor quality Blackberry photo (at night in the rain) of the first string of exterior lights being tested.

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/1567/bcplacelights.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, May 10th 2011.

Sweet! Heading north on the Cambie bridge is already the best view coming into downtown. Its about to get a whole lot better!

[S.W.M.Design]

I wonder what that green tarp is that you can see on the interior webcam?
http://imageshack.us/m/641/844/bcplace.jpg

[jlousa]

Can't say for sure, but on the zoomed in image it appears to be directly facing a tower so it could be to block residents being in blinded by welding. Hopefully someone knows for sure

[jsbertram]

Super poor quality Blackberry photo (at night in the rain) of the first string of exterior lights being tested.

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/1567/bcplacelights.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, May 10th 2011.

Countdown has started for the first NIMBY to b*tch about the new lights.

[nobase2010]

BC place stadium update.

http://www.globaltvbc.com/video/index.html?releasePID=nOkRseR5DDk0PQrMlB5h4O6Pxm0ykeSQ

[Zassk]

I was down there on Thursday and I saw the first "ribs" for the clerestory panels have been installed. It looks like there will be three "ribs" between each mast.

It sure seems like progress has bogged down since the last mast went up, and it seems like a lot of work remains to be done in just 4 1/2 months.

[mrjauk]

I was down there on Thursday and I saw the first "ribs" for the clerestory panels have been installed. It looks like there will be three "ribs" between each mast.

It sure seems like progress has bogged down since the last mast went up, and it seems like a lot of work remains to be done in just 4 1/2 months.

I have a friendly side bet with a friend--a Whitecaps season-ticket holder--that he will not be attending a game at BC Place until next year.

[golog]

For the diagonal cables: they've removed a bunch of the brackets and grinded it smooth where they were attached, a bunch more of the cables are slack but the brackets are still on the masts.

they had one frame up for the ETFE panels on the western side last night

[Pinion]

Empire Field is absolutely miserable in the rain, and with the Whitecaps losing streak now at 10, they better finish before bad weather hits again (assuming it ever stops this year).

[agrant]

Empire Field is absolutely miserable in the rain, and with the Whitecaps losing streak now at 10, they better finish before bad weather hits again (assuming it ever stops this year).You mean, winless in 10.

[vanlaw]

You mean, winless in 10.

...and winless in 10 in MLS play.....not too bad in the NCC games (knock on wood). I agree, Empire was absolutely miserable last Wednesday in the rain, unless you were 12 rows or so back and covered. The atmosphere was still pretty good though.

Sadly, i dont think there will be a Whitecaps game at BC Place this year. Mid May and no sign of the roof.

[jlousa]

Pretty confident I'll be watching a Whitecaps game in the dome this year.

[SpongeG]

they never said they would be playing in there this season did they?

the first event will be the grey cup in november

[vanlaw]

they never said they would be playing in there this season did they?

the first event will be the grey cup in november

It was announced that it wil be open for Lions game Fri Sept 30 with Whitecaps game at BC Place Sunday Oct 2. If it opens on this schedule, last three Whitecaps game will be under the new roof....

[djmk]

You mean, winless in 10.

you mean winless in 10 except agaists NASL teams in which they beat Montreal twice

[nobase2010]

1RXldEEaZuc

[S.W.M.Design]

Very nice video.
Here is a recent render of how the stadium will actually look:
http://www.bcplacestadium.com/files/construction/spring2011/spring2011-2.jpg

[BCPhil]

http://www.vancouversun.com/Stadium+roof+takes+shape/4788959/story.html

Looks like they have confirmed what the pictures the other week have shown, the roof is on its own.

Also in that story above, go the the bottom for a video about the material used to light the new roof.

[officedweller]

And someone asked whether the clerestory panels will open and close - I read in the paper that they will be louvres that will help with ventilation - so that answer is "yes".

[Otis_Van]

They started installing ribs for the roof this morning. Seems to go pretty quickly; the first three are already done.

[osirisboy]

The centre support tower will start coming down this coming week. PCL was going to allow to keep it up so people could use it to use to work off of. However, there was an incident and PCL has decided to remove it now. It will be nice to see that gone.

[officedweller]

They started installing ribs for the roof this morning. Seems to go pretty quickly; the first three are already done.

They look really good from Cambie Bridge. They "step down" towards the rim (i.e. they are more arched away from the rim).

[Built Form]

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1020590.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1020592.jpg
pics by Built Form

Taken yesterday they show the ribs and louvre supports going in. Plus you can see how much they've lowered the centre tower support in the past week.

[officedweller]

Nice shots - thanks.

Looks like they have 3 rows of ribs up now.

[nobase2010]

BC place (BCPlace2011) tweeted this pic.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/large/305871777.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJF3XCCKACR3QDMOA&Expires=1306285712&Signature=xVHOR%2BYxV8B3jA88AqRCVlBCjGU%3D

[Built Form]

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1020638.jpg
pic by Built Form

Huge progress in 3 days! Central tower support is coming down very quickly.

[officedweller]

Nice.
Really gettng a sense of the final shape.

[cjohnny4]

I emailed PAVCO today with the suggestion of putting trees or some other type of greenry on top of the outer boxes which house the concourse-connecting ramps around the outside of the stadium. Since there is concourse glass above and behind these "boxes," trees would give a "forest effect" from above as you walk through the concourse. The central library has a similar effect going. It would certainly green up the outside of the stadium... Wonder if they will respond.

[officedweller]

They did have vines growing up one side - probably depends on weight and waterproofing, etc.

[dtrain]

I emailed PAVCO today with the suggestion of putting trees or some other type of greenry on top of the outer boxes which house the concourse-connecting ramps around the outside of the stadium. Since there is concourse glass above and behind these "boxes," trees would give a "forest effect" from above as you walk through the concourse. The central library has a similar effect going. It would certainly green up the outside of the stadium... Wonder if they will respond.

That's a great idea, hopefully Pavco listens!

I hope they really improve the exterior plaza also (new Terry Fox Statue aside), this would really help to make the whole BC Place experience much better.

[Vancity]

Does anyone know when BC Place is going to receive a new name? Or are they going to keep the stadium name as BC Place?

[huenthar]

Funny blog post about the casino:

As some of you know, last month, the Vancouver's city council rejected a proposal from Paragon Gaming to develop a "world class entertainment complex" at BC Place, including a destination 1,200 slot machine (originally planned 1,500 machines), 150 table casino, multiple hotels, and retail complexes. This $500-million dollar project was scrapped because the council felt that Paragon's vision didn't fit with Vancouver's "global brand" of being "the world's greenest city".

Funnily enough, however, is the fact that the city HAS approved the relocation of Paragon Gaming's Edgewater Casino, located across the street in the Plaza of Nations, into BC Place. Edgewater Casino currently has 520 slot machines (license allowing 600 machines) and 75 tables; it seems as if the city council feels that, with 600 slot machines & 75 tables, Vancouver remains an angelic "green" city, but with 1,200 machines & 150 tables, it turns into the new Sin City.

Some speculate that, with the Edgewater move into BC Place, Paragon will relocate with the anticipation of expansion in the back of their mind. This proposal rejection is merely a setback for them, as once the noise dies down about the issue, they are expected to bring up a new proposal for the project. The joke going around is that Paragon should leave extra space between the slot machines at BC Place, so that it will be easier for them to slide in the new ones later.

http://crystal-hung.myrealpagewebsite.com/blog.html/categories/bc%20place

[sacrifice333]

^I actually quite like this... I have no problem with them expanding to the originally proposed 1200, especially if it includes the move of Edgewater.

That way Edgewater can be nicely redeveloped sans gaming.

Vancouver's "LAST" waterfront community yet again. ;)

[trofirhen]

:previous::previous::previous:
Any renders anywhere of the final product? Also, what is the "new" Terry Fox Statue? Could it be that they're gonna take the statue from the existing (as I recall) multi-coloured, multi-paneled monstrosity at the foot of Robson? Maybe even destroy it? (hope so ...) Anyway, more on the "new" Terry Fox Staue would be appreciated. Thank you.

[SpongeG]

there are renders in this thread way back of the new terry fox statues - its bronze statues of him that i think vary in size of him running...

the anti-casino people were all yay we were victorious but they didn't win anything the casino still exists and will continue to exist just in a new spot

[officedweller]

Looking at the webcam - it looks like they are going to open up and remove concrete panels from the ramp areas that would have interfaced with the casino buildings - to match the other ramps. It looks like the concrete has been sawn for removal.

[SFUVancouver]

BC Place as seen from the Cambie Street Bridge.
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/816/bcplacemay312011p125021.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, May 31st 2011.

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/4161/bcplace2may312011p12502.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, May 31st 2011.

[dtrain]

First set of glass has been installed of one the ramp ends, on Pacific Blvd. side.
Looks good!

[officedweller]

Cool, thanks for the info.

You ca see it on the webcam.
and they have removed the concrete panels to the west - in the area where the casino buildings would have butted up against the stadium - so presumably they are planning for no building on that site in the immediate future.

[jlousa]

Took a bunch of pics on my walk tonight.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p155/jlousa/BCPlace1.jpg
Supports in place for Watercube material.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p155/jlousa/BCPlace2.jpg
Major work still on this gate.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p155/jlousa/BCPlace3.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p155/jlousa/BCPlace4.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p155/jlousa/BCPlace5.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p155/jlousa/BCPlace6.jpg
Ribbing on North side

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p155/jlousa/BCPlace7.jpg
Extensive wooden platform for machinery.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p155/jlousa/BCPlace8.jpg
New Canopy supports

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p155/jlousa/BCPlace9.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p155/jlousa/BCPlace10.jpg
Looks like some work along Expo Blvd as well.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p155/jlousa/BCPlace11.jpg
What masts look like once final coat is applied

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p155/jlousa/BCPlace12.jpg
Really love the cut outs/new boxes, these will add much needed light into the concourses

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p155/jlousa/BCPlace13.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p155/jlousa/BCPlace14.jpg
Another new canopy over one of the gates.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p155/jlousa/BCPlace15.jpg

[Locked In]

^ Thanks for all the updates. The opened-up landings on the ramps look great - I wonder if the adjacent concrete is going to get any type of treatment...

[red-paladin]

I think the Stadium is starting to look better than it's ever been. The exterior was almost 100% concrete and that brown glass before, but now that it looks like half green glass and half concrete, it really looks to me a lot like Robson Square or other Erickson projects. I think this will look fantastic, as all the concrete really needs is cleaning, and maybe some facades on a few places.




[In case anyone wondered: I haven't commented in a while, but I continue to read the forums on a daily basis. I've just been too busy.]

[Sprawl]

Love the roof and the opened-up landings, but I still think the transition between old and new is really messy. The least they could have done is cover the entire upper concrete ring with the silver band, or better yet lifted up the concourse glass (Excuse the horrendous editing and use of jlousa's image) :
http://i.imgur.com/x6j2K.jpg

Still, a vast improvement over the old stadium.


Also, does anyone know what the thing in the lower of this image is?
Took a bunch of pics on my walk tonight.
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p155/jlousa/BCPlace5.jpg



Some kind of wayfinding sign/statue for each gate perhaps?

[GeeCee]

Those/similar wayfinding have been in place since the pre-Olympics mini-renovation. They may have been moved/replaced during construction, but I recall seeing them at each gate.

[SpongeG]

yeah those big letters have been there a while

its looking good

[officedweller]

Thanks for the pics.

In addition to the glass on the ramps, that's the first shots posted of the new canopy to the west of Terry Fox Plaza. Presumably that's an expansion of the concourse in that area too.

In the shot with the big Gate letter, you can see the old doorways have been removed and the revolving doors (no longer required) will be replaced.

[SpongeG]

oh yeah the revolving doors forgot those things that should help speed up entry and exits

[dtrain]

Anyone know what they're doing on the lower level seating, halfway up?
Looks like they might be adding a walkway that separates the lower bowl into upper and lower sections?

[Overground]

I'll take a wild guess.

Actual seats won't go in until near the end of the project. But they could be prepping for the eventual installation by repairing the cement from the previous seat mounts. The new seats will come in different sizes from the old ones(the club seats will be different from the regular seats too), so they would have different ways they would be mounted onto the flooring. I think modern stadium seating are usually mounted as 3 seats, with the centre one free-standing, therefore the whole seating plan installation will be anew.

Why they would only be doing the top half of the lower bowl I wouldn't have the foggiest. Perhaps this top section is where the larger club seats will go in, but I don't think I saw club seats in that pattern in the diagrams.

[BC Place]

Hi everyone - we hope you don't mind us interrupting the conversation to invite you all to a special 'open house' for the construction of the new BC Place. We want to extend our welcome to you all, as we know you have lots of questions about the ongoing revitalization. Representatives from PCL and PavCo will be on hand to discuss the project in detail.

No RSVP required - we hope to see you on the night!



BC Place invites you to attend a NEIGHBOURHOOD OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, June 9, 2011 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

Georgian Court Hotel, Club Room – Lobby Level
773 Beatty Street (across the street from BC Place), Vancouver, BC

Learn more about the newly revitalized BC Place

See our scale model, and ask your questions about the project

[hollywoodnorth]

Hi everyone - we hope you don't mind us interrupting the conversation to invite you all to a special 'open house' for the construction of the new BC Place. We want to extend our welcome to you all, as we know you have lots of questions about the ongoing revitalization. Representatives from PCL and PavCo will be on hand to discuss the project in detail.

No RSVP required - we hope to see you on the night!



BC Place invites you to attend a NEIGHBOURHOOD OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, June 9, 2011 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

Georgian Court Hotel, Club Room – Lobby Level
773 Beatty Street (across the street from BC Place), Vancouver, BC

Learn more about the newly revitalized BC Place

See our scale model, and ask your questions about the project


welcome to the board BC Place :cheers:

[Overground]

Hi everyone - we hope you don't mind us interrupting the conversation to invite you all to a special 'open house' for the construction of the new BC Place. We want to extend our welcome to you all, as we know you have lots of questions about the ongoing revitalization. Representatives from PCL and PavCo will be on hand to discuss the project in detail.

No RSVP required - we hope to see you on the night!



BC Place invites you to attend a NEIGHBOURHOOD OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, June 9, 2011 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

Georgian Court Hotel, Club Room – Lobby Level
773 Beatty Street (across the street from BC Place), Vancouver, BC

Learn more about the newly revitalized BC Place

See our scale model, and ask your questions about the project

Nice one! I've got lots of questions to ask.

[cjohnny4]

Anyone know what they're doing on the lower level seating, halfway up?
Looks like they might be adding a walkway that separates the lower bowl into upper and lower sections?

Not sure exactly what you're referring to, but wrt the white covering over the lower seats, that covering originally covered the entire lower bowl, so whatever treatment is being done under there is likely the same for both halves of the lower bowl.

As for the walkway, I think you might be referring to the white metal sections with handrails? It looks like those are pieces of the walkway which will be suspended from the cables where the retractable part of the roof meets the non-opening part. I think they are just storing the pieces of that walkway on the lower bowl seats for now until they can lift them up to the cables.

[cjohnny4]

Hi everyone - we hope you don't mind us interrupting the conversation to invite you all to a special 'open house' for the construction of the new BC Place. We want to extend our welcome to you all, as we know you have lots of questions about the ongoing revitalization. Representatives from PCL and PavCo will be on hand to discuss the project in detail.

No RSVP required - we hope to see you on the night!



BC Place invites you to attend a NEIGHBOURHOOD OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, June 9, 2011 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

Georgian Court Hotel, Club Room – Lobby Level
773 Beatty Street (across the street from BC Place), Vancouver, BC

Learn more about the newly revitalized BC Place

See our scale model, and ask your questions about the project

Freaky! Big Brother has been watching this whole time!

[TMW]

Freaky! Big Brother has been watching this whole time!

Haha exactly what I thought. Speaking of which...

I have been stalking this thread as a guest for months as I am obsessed with this BC Place project.

And... if anyone is attending this BC Place info session downtown on Thursday PLEASE somebody bring up the following:

Why is the opening so small? It isn't even the size of a CFL field (length wise, judging by pictures, stats and scales it appears the width is fine).

I even have my doubts that it will entirely cover the field of play for Whitecap games.

OTHER than that, I really have no complaints with this project. The Commerzbank Arena due to its transparent roof and the glass rim around the stadium lets in a tremendous amount of light. I am assuming ours will be very similar in that regard.

The new seating, jumbotron and all the renovations look like they will be terrific.

But somebody please if you are attending question the size of the opening, and I am also very curious if it is possible to leave it open in bad weather for football. Football (and maybe soccer too) was meant to be played in any weather.

[GeeCee]

I believe the opening is the size it is so that it will cover the fans, so that even if it is raining and the opening is.. open, people sitting in the stands won't get wet.

[dtrain]

Haha exactly what I thought. Speaking of which...

I have been stalking this thread as a guest for months as I am obsessed with this BC Place project.

And... if anyone is attending this BC Place info session downtown on Thursday PLEASE somebody bring up the following:

Why is the opening so small? It isn't even the size of a CFL field (length wise, judging by pictures, stats and scales it appears the width is fine).

I even have my doubts that it will entirely cover the field of play for Whitecap games.

OTHER than that, I really have no complaints with this project. The Commerzbank Arena due to its transparent roof and the glass rim around the stadium lets in a tremendous amount of light. I am assuming ours will be very similar in that regard.

The new seating, jumbotron and all the renovations look like they will be terrific.

But somebody please if you are attending question the size of the opening, and I am also very curious if it is possible to leave it open in bad weather for football. Football (and maybe soccer too) was meant to be played in any weather.

Roof opening size: I actually brought this up at an earlier open house with one of the architects, he told me there was a limitation to the size of the retractable roof because of weight limitations when it was compacted (open roof).

[TMW]

Roof opening size: I actually brought this up at an earlier open house with one of the architects, he told me there was a limitation to the size of the retractable roof because of weight limitations when it was compacted (open roof).

That makes sense. I was just surprised they couldn't add a few more yards at each end.

[dtrain]

I believe the reason is that the shape of the opening, scaled from same shape as the exterior (by necessity), causes the end zones to be still covered. I agree it would have been nice to have the complete football field exposed. Hopefully when experienced in person we won't notice it being a factor.

[djmk]

the central support tower is gone and it looks like 1/3 of the ribs are up

[officedweller]

From the BC Place Flickr account - lots of pics posted June 6th, 2011 - lots more at the link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bcplace/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2558/5805110690_395a4e971d_z.jpg
BC Place Glass Roof Shelf
The glass shelf will form a ring at the edge of the permanent fixed roof. This is where the edge of the
retractable roof will meet the fixed roof and form a weather-tight seal

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2301/5805108568_618f564b63_z.jpg
Glass Shelf
The glass shelf will form a ring at the edge of the permanent fixed roof. This is where the edge of
the retractable roof will meet the fixed roof and form a weather-tight seal


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2368/5804552051_551437e267_z.jpg
Tension Cables
The tension ring cable runs the entire circumference of the stadium 10 times, placing tension
on the foot of each mast to counter the forces placed on the top of the masts


http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5319/5804553605_24a2cdef8d_z.jpg
BC Place Inner Bowl

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2802/5804553895_34bf551523_z.jpg
BC Place Retractable Roof
Centre Node of the Retractable Roof at BC Place

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5142/5805111128_3ca802ec6d_z.jpg
Seismic Dampers
One of dozens of seismic dampers that have been installed as part of the stadium revitalization at BC Place

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2162/5804553425_8d271fd5d3_z.jpg
BC Place Retractable Roof

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2695/5805110500_d0f6639cbd_z.jpg
BC Place Retractable Roof Mast Supports

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2638/5804552983_8ff1f2a4d9_z.jpg
BC Place Retractable Roof Clerestory

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2721/5804552711_c3704c3679_z.jpg
BC Place Roof Cable Work

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3342/5804551189_b3a841e295_z.jpg
New Service Gantry

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3117/5804551937_5a117222a6_z.jpg
BC Place

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2246/5805059718_801bc74e63_z.jpg
Seat Samples
The original blue seats will be replaced with wider, more comfortable and modern seats

[logan5]

Oh man that new glass makes a big difference. It's coming together fast now.

It looks like there's way more glass or is it just me?

[djmk]

wow.

looks complicated. especially the center node.

[bils]

so.... we're lookin at alternating grey-red seats throughout?

[officedweller]

Someone else posted about colour blocking for sections of the seats - the samples seats are probably just side-by-side as one of each colour.

[dtrain]

I see white tarps now on the Pacific Blvd. side entrance area, are they adding awnings here like the new addition near the Terry Fox Plaza?

[wrenegade]

A shot from last night (my buddy's place has a pretty sweet view):

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3601/5833127351_af5425d95b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexwrenphoto/5833127351/)
BC Place construction (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexwrenphoto/5833127351/) by Alex.Wren.Photo (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexwrenphoto/), on Flickr

[Bankview]

Gorgeous! Can't wait until I move to Vancouver this Fall and can see this beautiful piece of work in person! :tup:

[officedweller]

Nice! Looks more and more like spaceship.

That's the side where the casino complex would have interfaced / connected to the stadium. The decision to renovate that side with glazing on the ramps is likely confirmation that Paragon will not proceed with a move of the existing-sized casino to a new building on that site.

Hopefully a new proposal won;t butt the new bulding up to the stadium and will maybe just link with overhead walkways to preserve the perimeter walkway around the stadium. That was one thing I didn't like about the casino proposal - it blocked the walkway around the stadium.

[peterprinciple]

Hello all:

Just heard from PAVCO and "Duncan" informs me that the obstructed view from the interior construction webcam is a temporary measure and will be removed once the overhead work is completed.

Cheers

[peterprinciple]

Interior Construction Cam is up and running again.

Looks as though they have started removing the old field at the west end of the stadium. by "field" I mean concrete floor and removing about 3 ft of earth below it.

[Zassk]

Interior Construction Cam is up and running again.

Looks as though they have started removing the old field at the west end of the stadium. by "field" I mean concrete floor and removing about 3 ft of earth below it.

Hmm. Perhaps for a drainage system? I'm guessing that the old floor did not have outdoor-worthy drainage.

[BCPhil]

Hmm. Perhaps for a drainage system? I'm guessing that the old floor did not have outdoor-worthy drainage.

That makes sense. It would also be sensible to plan for potential irrigation systems in case the MLS makes real grass fields mandatory in the next year or two.

[Overground]

I really hope but highly doubt MLS would make grass pitches mandatory in the near future. Even if they did, BC Place would not be able install grass unless they used an expensive system of moveable grass trays.

As for the plastic carpet that will be installed - amazingly it requires watering. The drainage system though would be completely different to what a modern grass pitch would need.

[Jebby]

I really hope but highly doubt MLS would make grass pitches mandatory in the near future. Even if they did, BC Place would not be able install grass unless they used an expensive system of moveable grass trays.

As for the plastic carpet that will be installed - amazingly it requires watering. The drainage system though would be completely different to what a modern grass pitch would need.

I thought current generation artificial pitches didn't need to be watered anymore. I know that older ones did to reduce the risk of injuries and to give a more realistic playing surface.

[jlousa]

The watering keeps static from building up, or so I'm told but on all the turf fields I've played on I've never encountered static as an issue. Sliding on damp turf certainly feels a lot better then on dry turf though.

[Overground]

I think FieldTurf 2-star rating still requires watering. Jeld-Wen Field in Portland supposedly waters their new 2-star pitch before and during half-time just like the crappy 1-star that we see at Empire.

[agrant]

Like galeforcewinds said, the watering is primarily to give the players a more realistic surface in terms of ball response... As a long time soccer player and follower, the differences in play is very noticeable. Games on fake grass cause players to lose control of the ball much more frequently than if it were on real grass. Ask any player, and they'll say they'd much rather play on the real stuff.

[EastVanMark]

That makes sense. It would also be sensible to plan for potential irrigation systems in case the MLS makes real grass fields mandatory in the next year or two.

That wouldn't matter since you can't grow quality grass in the stadium.

[Overground]

Growing natural grass would be so difficult and expensive. Even Wembley has this problem due to lack of light in winter and over use. You could use a mobile tray system like at the Bird's Nest in Beijing, where grass trays are grown off site and then brought in and interlocked like tiles, but it takes days to install. Damaged tiles would be rotated out and repaired though, so that could help with damage from overuse. Seems expensive.

Perhaps they could do just what Wembley and others do;

- natural/artifical mixed turf like Desso Grassmaster.
- rolling grow lighting like SGL.
- Terraplas. Temporary pitch protector for events that can handle a lot of weight like rock concert equipment, staging, mixing tower, etc). It lets the pitch breath and can cover it for several days without the grass dying.
- replace the grass more than once throughout the year. Expensive.

[BCPhil]

That wouldn't matter since you can't grow quality grass in the stadium.

You wouldn't have to grow it all year. What some stadiums do is lay down rolls fresh real grass every so often. It only lasts so long, but while it is there, it is growing and its life span can be lengthened by watering it. When it becomes sufficiently trashed, you take it out and put in new grass. Or you can use a tray system like Overground mentioned.

And there are covered stadiums that DO grow real grass, Safeco in Seattle being one of them. Miller Park in Milwaukee has a retractable roof, but the large glass windows allows them to keep real grass indoors. Chase field is the first retractable roof stadium built in North America (and is completely enclosed when the roof is shut, for AC) and has a real grass field. They leave the roof open between games and close it if required before game time.

I've heard rumblings that a lot of owners in the MLS want real grass mandatory because they believe it is a better product (games are better to watch) and the teams that have real grass at home feel they are at a disadvantage when they play on the road on fake turf because it does play different.

So I'm actually curious to know if the new giant windows at the top of the roof, combined with leaving the roof open between games (IE most of the year), could sustain a natural grass field at BC Place. Those windows will probably let in enough light, that even when the roof is closed, games played during the day can be naturally lit. But can they let in enough light to grow a field?

[jlousa]

The issue is that BCPLACE is a multi-use facility and not just a stadium. With both the lions and the Whitecaps you might be looking at 30days of use per year. BC Place is used over 200day per year, the biggest users of BC Place are large tradeshows/consumer shows. Those events are not suitable to having a large grass field right in the middle and will not be moving into the new convention centre either. That leaves us with either turf or traylike systems.

[EastVanMark]

You wouldn't have to grow it all year. What some stadiums do is lay down rolls fresh real grass every so often. It only lasts so long, but while it is there, it is growing and its life span can be lengthened by watering it. When it becomes sufficiently trashed, you take it out and put in new grass. Or you can use a tray system like Overground mentioned.

And there are covered stadiums that DO grow real grass, Safeco in Seattle being one of them. Miller Park in Milwaukee has a retractable roof, but the large glass windows allows them to keep real grass indoors. Chase field is the first retractable roof stadium built in North America (and is completely enclosed when the roof is shut, for AC) and has a real grass field. They leave the roof open between games and close it if required before game time.


So I'm actually curious to know if the new giant windows at the top of the roof, combined with leaving the roof open between games (IE most of the year), could sustain a natural grass field at BC Place. Those windows will probably let in enough light, that even when the roof is closed, games played during the day can be naturally lit. But can they let in enough light to grow a field?


First off, grass fields die off extremely quickly without direct sunlight, and the costs of re-sodding is extremely expensive.

Second, those stadium you mentioned have roofs the completely roll off of the field. BC Place does not (not even close). Playing fields need direct sunlight (not from side windows). Lack of direct Sunlight was the #1 reason why Qwest Field in Seattle didn't go with natural grass and that is an open air stadium! As you correctly mentioned, those ballparks leave the roof open as much as possible to keep their fields playable. See Reliant Stadium as an example of how difficult it is to grow grass in a stadium lacking in direct sunlight. (and Reliant's roof opens without any obstructions unlike BC Place)

[BCPhil]

The issue is that BCPLACE is a multi-use facility and not just a stadium. With both the lions and the Whitecaps you might be looking at 30days of use per year. BC Place is used over 200day per year, the biggest users of BC Place are large tradeshows/consumer shows. Those events are not suitable to having a large grass field right in the middle and will not be moving into the new convention centre either. That leaves us with either turf or traylike systems.

The problem is that artificial turf is not resilient to damage. Covering the field with panels will damage the playing surface over time. The fake grass compresses and doesn't recover. This situation is happening at Qwest field right now and the Sounders are blaming the field for injuries and want it replaced (it has already been replaced once).

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/soundersfcblog/2012903749_talking_about_the_qwest_turf_a.html

I have also been to several large trade shows at the convention center, and they seem to work perfectly fine. The auto show went off without a hitch, the home and garden show was a hit, the green Expo was fantastic, and the only problem I had with Eat! Vancouver was that it was TOO busy and not enough employees were there to clean up the garbage.

Yes, BC Place was used a lot for trade shows and expos, but that was before the giant ballroom/convention space opened at the new Convention center. The new center also draws in giant crowds for expos because of its location and build quality.

To compare the two, the West convention center has 220,000 sqft of exhibition space (not counting the meeting rooms and ballrooms and if you combine east and west for a mega expo there is 311,000 sqft of exhibit space) BC Place has 247,000 sqft of space. For most conventions, the extra 30,000 sqft isn't going to be make or break. The only reason for many things like the auto show to go back to BC Place is if they charge way less in rent or if there is too much demand for events.

And with more sporting events happening at the stadium because of the time it takes to set up the field for play (changing the field markings between sports and such) there will be far fewer days available (especially full weekends in the summer/fall) where conventions at the stadium can happen.

So to say we have to sacrifice the quality of the sporting events played at BC Place (the main purpose of a stadium) in favor of holding other events is a bit of a weak argument when the retractable roof is being built for the purpose of improving the sporting events.

First off, grass fields die off extremely quickly without direct sunlight, and the costs of re-sodding is extremely expensive.

Second, those stadium you mentioned have roofs the completely roll off of the field. BC Place does not (not even close). Playing fields need direct sunlight (not from side windows). Lack of direct Sunlight was the #1 reason why Qwest Field in Seattle didn't go with natural grass and that is an open air stadium! As you correctly mentioned, those ballparks leave the roof open as much as possible to keep their fields playable. See Reliant Stadium as an example of how difficult it is to grow grass in a stadium lacking in direct sunlight. (and Reliant's roof opens without any obstructions unlike BC Place)

Actually, I believe you are completely wrong. The #1 reason they went with artificial turf at Qwest field is because it is too exposed. With all the rain they get in Seattle (more than any other football city), a grass field would be soaking wet during the football season and get destroyed during play. They went with the turf because they figured it would be cheaper to maintain. The stadium proposal actually went before voters stating there would be a real field, and they still claim that if they have to, they can switch to a full time real field.

Reliant stadium doesn't seem to have much trouble. They actually use a tray system, where the field is composed of 1,250 modules, and can be removed from the stadium in 6 to 8 hours, which they do at least 20 times per year (heck, they host a rodeo there). On top of that, the entire stadium costs about half as much as just our roof project.

http://www.strathayr.com.au/html/turf/removable_turf.htm

There are also different kinds of grass available for use, some don't need direct sunlight to survive or long periods of direct sunlight to thrive. Chase field replaces their grass at the begining of each season and the stadium lets in enough light for it to survive. Miller Park in Milwaukee has real grass, and the stadium design does not allow direct sunlight to fall on every part of the field (with portions never seeing the sun) but they have found a species of grass that will survive the season with minimal light.

http://diarydiehard.com/2010/03/rolling-with-the-grass-at-chase-field/

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/32001574.html


I don't see why everyone seems so opposed to the idea of natural grass, when less hospitable places seem to get by (Arizona and Texas have harsh, hot, dry summers and Milwaukee cold winters and hot summers). With proper water control, almost any species of grass thrives in the mild climate here.

Yes, it would be a challenge, but so is building the roof itself. If we are spending more on a roof than these stadiums cost to build, and there is zero possibility of ever having a grass field (even a removable tray system one), then spending the money seems to be a mistake.

If there isn't enough sunlight on the field for grass to grow, then it seems unlikely there will be enough light for games to be played without artificial lighting, which makes the whole roof seem rather pointless. If the Whitecaps can't play under the sun at 4pm on a Saturday, then what was the point of spending over $500 million on a hole?

[EastVanMark]

Actually, I believe you are completely wrong. The #1 reason they went with artificial turf at Qwest field is because it is too exposed. With all the rain they get in Seattle (more than any other football city), a grass field would be soaking wet during the football season and get destroyed during play. They went with the turf because they figured it would be cheaper to maintain. The stadium proposal actually went before voters stating there would be a real field, and they still claim that if they have to, they can switch to a full time real field.

Reliant stadium doesn't seem to have much trouble. They actually use a tray system, where the field is composed of 1,250 modules, and can be removed from the stadium in 6 to 8 hours, which they do at least 20 times per year (heck, they host a rodeo there). On top of that, the entire stadium costs about half as much as just our roof project.

http://www.strathayr.com.au/html/turf/removable_turf.htm

There are also different kinds of grass available for use, some don't need direct sunlight to survive or long periods of direct sunlight to thrive. Chase field replaces their grass at the begining of each season and the stadium lets in enough light for it to survive. Miller Park in Milwaukee has real grass, and the stadium design does not allow direct sunlight to fall on every part of the field (with portions never seeing the sun) but they have found a species of grass that will survive the season with minimal light.

http://diarydiehard.com/2010/03/rolling-with-the-grass-at-chase-field/

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/32001574.html


I don't see why everyone seems so opposed to the idea of natural grass, when less hospitable places seem to get by (Arizona and Texas have harsh, hot, dry summers and Milwaukee cold winters and hot summers). With proper water control, almost any species of grass thrives in the mild climate.

If there isn't enough sunlight on the field for grass to grow, then it seems unlikely there will be enough light for games to be played without artificial lighting, which makes the whole roof seem rather pointless. If the Whitecaps can't play under the sun at 4pm on a Saturday, then what was the point of spending over $500 million on a hole?

You may believe anything you wish, but it is you who is completely wrong. A member of the Seattle Sounder management team was on the TEAM 1410 last week where he addressed the rumors of installing natural grass. (I believe it should still be in their audio vault), where he identified "shadowing" as a major concern. The cost of maintaining artificial fields as opposed to natural ones is obvious and nothing that they "figured". They knew that going in. As everyone else does.

As for Reliant stadium not having much trouble, wrong again. (plenty of trouble). Yes, they do use a portable tray system for their field. However,do you know where the trays are stored when not in use? The trays are stored outside, in an open unobstructed field when not in the stadium. Something like this would be all but impossible in Vancouver. Also, unlike BC Place, the roof rolls completely off of the field, whereas the opening in BC Place is smaller and will be greatly obstructed by the scoreboard/centernode and support cables. Also something else you may not find in Wikipedia, the grass surface is working so "well" in Reliant, they were looking to purchase fieldturf for use in all non-NFL football games Also, in regards to my post about shading issues at Qwest Field, here's a quote from Barry Asimos, the Houston Texans' (the team that plays in Reliant Stadium) director of operations. "We're dealing with a lot of shade issues," in regards to troubles growing grass at the facility.

Finally, as Ive already pointed out once before, you can't compare baseball ballparks and multipurpose stadiums. Once again, in both ballparks mentioned, the respective roofs roll completely off of the field. This is not the case at BC Place. Secondly, and most importantly, both those stadiums don't have grass growing over a cement floor. Their respective fields are the same as anyone has in their front or back yards making them infinitely more durable. To show this try a simple experiment; plant some grass seeds in a patch of dirt outside and then plant those same seeds in a tray in a garage. Wait 8 weeks, view/note the results.

[dtrain]

Interior camera: Looks like they're installing the retractable fabric already?
Or is it material related to scoreboard?

[agrant]

Interior camera: Looks like they're installing the retractable fabric already?
Or is it material related to scoreboard?That definitely looks like it is the retractable roof material. The scoreboard is used to store it when the roof is open, I'm pretty sure.

[go_leafs_go02]

definitely looks like roof material to me. Excellent - it's all starting to come together.

Also, I'm assuming they'll still be able to play baseball in the stadium too? They're not filling in the one side with concrete seating - looks like it will still be fully retractable.

[twoNeurons]

I've always loved Sapporo's stadium. Real grass.
1q24--xddtM

[BCPhil]

You may believe anything you wish, but it is you who is completely wrong. A member of the Seattle Sounder management team was on the TEAM 1410 last week where he addressed the rumors of installing natural grass. (I believe it should still be in their audio vault), where he identified "shadowing" as a major concern. The cost of maintaining artificial fields as opposed to natural ones is obvious and nothing that they "figured". They knew that going in. As everyone else does.

As for Reliant stadium not having much trouble, wrong again. (plenty of trouble). Yes, they do use a portable tray system for their field. However,do you know where the trays are stored when not in use? The trays are stored outside, in an open unobstructed field when not in the stadium. Something like this would be all but impossible in Vancouver. Also, unlike BC Place, the roof rolls completely off of the field, whereas the opening in BC Place is smaller and will be greatly obstructed by the scoreboard/centernode and support cables. Also something else you may not find in Wikipedia, the grass surface is working so "well" in Reliant, they were looking to purchase fieldturf for use in all non-NFL football games Also, in regards to my post about shading issues at Qwest Field, here's a quote from Barry Asimos, the Houston Texans' (the team that plays in Reliant Stadium) director of operations. "We're dealing with a lot of shade issues," in regards to troubles growing grass at the facility.

Finally, as Ive already pointed out once before, you can't compare baseball ballparks and multipurpose stadiums. Once again, in both ballparks mentioned, the respective roofs roll completely off of the field. This is not the case at BC Place. Secondly, and most importantly, both those stadiums don't have grass growing over a cement floor. Their respective fields are the same as anyone has in their front or back yards making them infinitely more durable. To show this try a simple experiment; plant some grass seeds in a patch of dirt outside and then plant those same seeds in a tray in a garage. Wait 8 weeks, view/note the results.

The only person I can find complaining about Reliant stadium is Bill Belichick, and he is a cheater and complains about everything, so I take his words with a grain of salt. So I wouldn't mind seeing your sources as to how their tray system is worse than artificial turf. You search for trouble with Qwest fields turf and there are a thousand articles. I supplied some links to support my views, could you do the same?

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ycn-8516165

I don't know about your source, but it looks to me like the Seattle Seahawks are considering grass as a possibility for the 2012 season. While Qwest field might be shady in the winter months (as are many outdoor football stadiums) the sun shines on the turf most of the day in the summer half of the year. The Sounders are laying down temporary real grass when Man U comes and plan on leaving it for several MLS games. So we'll see how it goes.

According to the Sounders it costs up to $200,000 to lay down the temporary grass, which in the summer will be able to withstand several matches. The fieldturf that was installed there in 2009 is already trashed because of the other non sporting events they hold there and needs to be replaced ASAP at a cost of at least $500,000.

The main thing keeping them back from installing real grass at Qwest is the timeframe, as they believe it will take them several months to install a real field, probably costing the Sounders the opening half of their season. But once the new Huskies stadium is finished, the Sounders could play part of their season there while they grow grass at Qwest (it does have a capacity of around 70,000 after all).

What I'm really getting at is that we are spending less than 1% of the cost of this project on the actual field where the sports takes place. I'm not saying it wouldn't be challenging to grow real grass, but it WAS challenging to build the worlds largest cable supported retractable roof (which we seem to be doing just fine). We could solve that problem with hundreds of millions of dollars, but we can't solve the age old problem of growing grass?

Commerzbank-Arena in Frankfurt, Germany, which the roof of BC Place is modeled off of has a real grass field. So what gives? Yes, it sometimes has quality issues right after other events, and they installed special lights to help it grow, but I think the players would rather play on a slightly inferior grass field than a fake field. I would even go for new Wembly style Hybrid grass, which seems to combine the best of both worlds (durability for other events and mostly grass for sports).

I just find it odd that everyone is ok we spent more money than what we are short for the Evergreen line on a roof, but feel whatever about the actual playing surface that affects the quality of the game you pay to watch.