BC Place: Stadium Refurbishment | Completed

[Built Form]

What a long night! The game was delayed a half hour by the network due to the Winnipeg Montreal game. For the grand opening event I expected a much better opener and half time show--very disappointing. The concessions were a nightmare! Other than the usual burgers and fries I saw Mexican, Fish & Potato Chips?!, East Indian and Mini Donuts. Mmmmm a veritable bounty! Half hour into the game they were out of everything at our counter other than hamburgers. Trying to get beer was another difficulty aside. They were not prepared and yet had months of planning. Worst re-opening-of-a-renovated-domed-stadium ever! ;)

The stadium does looks great inside and out. The 4th level is now more open, airy and voluminous than before. Even our future new mayor was there. Go Suzie Go!

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All pix by Built Form

[Built Form]

Great article in the Globe.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/spoiled-west-coast-sports-fans-get-a-fresh-stadium/article2187434/

[Hed Kandi]

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/4204/dsc00151kb.jpg



:boogy:




:D

[Alex Mackinnon]

You know, as opposed to the picture you're looking at of the same subject. :tup:

[nova9]

Was at the game last night. The seats and the screen are what people will like the most. And the lower concourse is nice. But the novelty of a retractable roof is just a novelty after the awesome summer at Empire.

It was annoying and hilarious that many attendees last night would comment on everything. down to the shade of green in the bathroom tiles. LOL.

Anyways, it was a long night but the victory made it fun. But they really need to hire people with math competency if they're working cash. As a science teacher, I was ashamed at how many of the highschool girls they hired to work concession couldn't do simple math.

and don't even get me started on the beer and how they ran out of everything except for Budweiser in our section and it took me damn near 30 mins to get 2 beers.

[vanlaw]

Was a good game, and I expected a few hiccups first night. Luckily I wasn't hungry or thirsty. I was up in 400 level, and the concourse is a huge improvement over before. The glass looks great, and I noticed Science World was also lit up in orange for the Lions. When we first sat down, there was something wrong with the sound, as whenever the guy was speaking, it was 100x worse than before. I was honestly thinking “are you f’n serious???” You couldn’t hear a thing it was so echo-y. But whatever it was they fixed it just before the game, and the sound it great, even up top. I couldn’t hear any reverb.

I was wondering why they didn't raise the center cone around the retracted roof? Maybe safety issue?

The one thing that bothered me was that they really dropped the ball on will call ticket pickup. I ordered my tics from the Lions on Monday, told I could pick them up after 6. They guy didn't specify a gate. So I go to gate H (15 min Line), they scramble around trying to figure it out, then tell me to go to Gate A. So the line at A is twice as long, so I wait for a counter to open and walk up simply to ask the woman if this is the right place. Almost get knocked out by a couple of assholes who thought I was cutting in line, had to yell at them, the woman behind the mic told them to step away, and then they scrambled to figure it out. Then they tell me tics are printed at Gate B. To their credit, they were very nice and apologetic.

So we go to Gate B. No joke, the will call line stretched back to Beatty street, and it was almost 7. This was will call line for both TM pickup and Lions pickup. It was insane. They had a smaller line with a table. I guess they had taken the lions ordered tics and put them separate to try to alleviate the line. But as we got closer it was only for last name up to "K" which doesn’t cover me. The woman was basically telling me to get in the other line, I told her it was the third line i was in, and she was very nice and shuttled us to the front of the other line.

Anyway, I expected a few mistakes, but even for TM pickup, they should have had the ability to print the tics at any of the gates and failing that, and they should have had signs at the other gates directing people to Gate B. Lots of people were pretty pissed off. To their credit, Lions/BC Place had lots of staff outside dealing with a crappy situation as best they could and were all quite pleasant.

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[logan5]

Anyways, it was a long night but the victory made it fun. But they really need to hire people with math competency if they're working cash. As a science teacher, I was ashamed at how many of the highschool girls they hired to work concession couldn't do simple math.


That made me laugh. It's happened to me a few times at the P.N.E. or wherever, I give a fifty to a young girl and end up with more money than I gave her. I think they get nervous or something.

Whoever was there, I'm wondering how the opening in the roof looked. Was it as small as it looks from the outside? In the pictures it looks small as well, especially with that giant centre pod blocking the view.

[hankthetank]

That made me laugh. It's happened to me a few times at the P.N.E. or wherever, I give a fifty to a young girl and end up with more money than I gave her. I think they get nervous or something.

Whoever was there, I'm wondering how the opening in the roof looked. Was it as small as it looks from the outside? In the pictures it looks small as well, especially with that giant centre pod blocking the view.

I thought it was a decent size. The lower you're sitting the bigger it looks. If you're sitting up high the angle makes it appear smaller. That won't be much of a problem as Whitecaps fans don't even get to use the upper bowl and Lions games rarely get a packed upper bowl.

Side note: I saw Kesler walking around in the concourse before game time last night. Nice to see the Canucks come support the Lions or at least want a chance to see the new stadium. An old lady was giving him a hug as I walked by.

[vanlaw]

Great article in the Globe.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/spoiled-west-coast-sports-fans-get-a-fresh-stadium/article2187434/

Interesting they say the sound problems have carried over. After they fixed whatever the problem was, it was crystal clear on the upper level. Anyone sitting down below? how was it down there?

[cc85]

The sound was horrible on the lower bowl before the game started. That guy in the lions jersey was unrecognizable!

Line ups were horrible. I waited 5 minutes just for the attendent to figure out my bill.

One of the worst things was that there were no garbage or recycling cans outside during the block party!

The ribbon cutting ceremony was interesting. A few of the lions and caps players, along with some other people.

[Locked In]

I also went last night, and have a lot of the same observations.

I was in 403, and the sound was unintelligible until about 10 minutes before game-time, at which point they turned on the speakers hanging in front of us - after that, the sound was crystal clear.

The concession lines in our section were the worst I've ever been in - we ducked out for a bite and a beer a few minutes into the first quarter, and got back a few minutes before half-time. The concessions seemed really disorganized (i.e. same person getting drinks from the back, pouring and handling cash), but workers told us that they are "volunteers" - so I'm guessing the concessions just haven't been staffed properly yet. They missed out on a lot of concession sales from not having planned for that though...

Most of the people I was with, who haven't been following the redevelopment of the stadium, were disappointed with the size of the opening in the roof. One asked, after the roof was opened, in all seriousness, when they were going to open the roof. Our seats were fairly high though (row KK) - I can imagine the opening looks a lot bigger from the lower bowl.

I was also disappointed with the lighting effects inside the stadium (especially after being promised an unbelievable lighting show by that guy on the microphone) - the illuminated panels were really dim, and the lighting in general felt a bit static, particularly during breaks in the play - none of the dimmed lighting, projected images, strobes, etc. that you get used to seeing at Rogers Arena. I get that the point of the whole thing is the game on the field, but I was hoping for a bit more of a show surrounding that.

Overall, I think the new stadium looks great though - just needs a few tweaks. I was really impressed with the new Terry Fox plaza - it's a great space! Hopefully they use the screen for more than ads and show sports or something on a regular basis. If they can find a way to tuck a couple of pubs/restaurants with patios around the edges of the plaza, it would be fantastic.

[nova9]

If they said they were volunteers I'm sure they meant they were BC Place staff volunteering in those positions. That would make sense but I'm unsure of the legality because the kid who poured my beer was definitely underaged. As well, the 'volunteering' would make sense because I would have expected more Bud marketing on the uniforms of people at the Bud kiosks but didn't see any. At the same time, come on, get it together before this one big game!

[djmk]

I can not wait to see the stadium on Sunday.

When Empire first opened, there was many many complaints about the lines up as well. It was all sorted by game 2.

On the radio, some lady phoned in and complained that the beer was $10.50!!!!! Holy Crap!!! 7 bucks for 8 ounces @ empire was already terrible!

[djmk]

whitecaps have sold 20,000 tickets so far and they are saying that only 1,000 are left. I guess they are not opening up the upper sections.

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2011/10/only-1000-tickets-remain-whitecaps-fcs-inaugural-match-bell-pitch-downtown

[jlousa]

Yes the beer was 8.50 for a can (no line up) if you could find them wandering the concourse levels, or it was 10.50 for 20oz at the concessions.

Felt the beer stands should've been moved into the inner concourse side instead of the outer side. There were quite a few open areas along the inside that were large enough to hold them while keeping the walk ways clear. At least on level 4, didn't spend any time along level 2.

I know Pavco was in negotiations with the union in order to get things started for the opening, perhaps things still aren't resolved, leading to staffing issues at the concessions.

[GoGoGadget]

I know Pavco was in negotiations with the union in order to get things started for the opening, perhaps things still aren't resolved, leading to staffing issues at the concessions.

Centerplate is the food, beverage and catering provider for BC Place and not involved in BCGEU negotiations.

[WarrenC12]

Great game, great stadium.

Beer was $10.50 for 20oz cups. Weird that they didn't have the 24oz bottom fill cups from Empire ($12). Beer lines were a mess, as was food. I can't remember the last time I was in BC Place with 50k+ people, I think they were stretched to serve that many in the past as well.

The video screens are awesome. The sound quality was great.

The roof opening looks a lot bigger depending on your perspective...

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hmTPkAy2XJQ/Toe8BDd7JiI/AAAAAAAAG3s/Kpu5uN_qff0/s720/IMG_0508.JPG

[CorbeauNoir]

On the radio, some lady phoned in and complained that the beer was $10.50!!!!! Holy Crap!!! 7 bucks for 8 ounces @ empire was already terrible!

Yuck, that's ridiculous even by sports-stadium standards. Good think I stocked up on Sailor Jerry today :haha:

[Vancity]

There seems to be a ton of complaints for the line-ups with regards to food, and drinks at BC Place. They BETTER make improvements in service, or it doesn't matter how "nice" the stadium is - nobody likes crap service. especially if your waiting in line for 30-40 min, only to get to the counter, and find out that they don't have anymore beer or whatever it is you wanted to get. I'd be pissed off too, and to be frank, I don't know if I'd go back, until they prove that their service IS better.

They say that service will be better for the 'Caps game tomorrow. Well DUH, it better be. If a "world-class stadium" can't provide "world-class" service to 20,000 people at a soccer game, then, well, not worth the time. Someone is right, though, they missed the boat in terms of concessions BIG TIME, because they didn't train the staff well, and people didn't know what they were doing, AND they didn't have sufficient products for their customer. Nicely done (sarcasm).

[Yume-sama]

The stadium looks great!

Regarding concessions, perhaps they are doing what the Flames do in Calgary... which has really just peeved me off considering how much damn money they rake in every night. All of the concessions are completely run by (different, so every night is just as bad) volunteers who have no idea what they're doing and are only doing it for some piddly money to go towards their organization, etc. usually some kids hockey team or whatever.

[Vancity]

This view of BC Place is awesome.

http://beta.images.theglobeandmail.com/archive/01325/Lions2_1325888cl-8.jpg

Can't wait to see what the stadium looks like for 'Caps. it's been a good sporting weekend for this town. Just add a return of the NBA, and an LFL franchise, and we're all set ;) haha

[Vancity]

Another thing I don't understand for tomorrow's 'Caps game at BC Place. Why are they limiting the lower bowl to 21,000? I'm hearing reports that the lower bowl of the stadium can easily accommodate anywhere from 25-30k. So why limit tickets to only 21k, if you can fill the entire lower bowl to at least 25k? Is it going to look empty with only 21k people there tomorrow afternoon?

I find that to be a strange decision...

[nova9]

Another thing I don't understand for tomorrow's 'Caps game at BC Place. Why are they limiting the lower bowl to 21,000? I'm hearing reports that the lower bowl of the stadium can easily accommodate anywhere from 25-30k. So why limit tickets to only 21k, if you can fill the entire lower bowl to at least 25k? Is it going to look empty with only 21k people there tomorrow afternoon?

I find that to be a strange decision...

probably so they can declare a sellout easier?

[Built Form]

Lenarduzzi was interviewed by Jay Janower on the noon news and he said they've capped it at 21K for now to keep the fans nice and tight. 3___2___1 Oh! and to have a more intimate fan experience. I'm here all night; be sure to try the veal!

[go_leafs_go02]

Lenarduzzi was interviewed by Jay Janower on the noon news and he said they've capped it at 21K for now to keep the fans nice and tight. 3___2___1 Oh! and to have a more intimate fan experience. I'm here all night; be sure to try the veal!

That's all fine and dandy, but many teams have policies in which all seats in the initial 21K need to be sold before any other sections are open.

the Vancouver Giants do this, they have a curtained upperbowl, and can open up sections or rows one by one if need be. Still keeps it intimate.

[Innersoul1]

The NEW BC Place looked fantastic on Friday night! Loved watching the game and seeing all of the different angles of the building! I only have one thing to say. The half-time was one of the MOST pathetic things I have ever seen. I couldn't help but face-palm.

Looking forward to seeing the Whitecaps set-up today!

[agrant]

You guys watch half-time shows??? Why? Are we hoping for a Jerry Bruckheimer moment?

I remember attending Whitecaps games way back when they were in the old NASL, and all they did was run a mini kids game, or someone would try to kick a ball through a hole from the half line. Nothing too exciting, but it filled in the time if you weren't waiting at the concessions buying beer.

[crazyjoeda]

I wonder if part of the issue with the concessions running out of food and beer was a result of so many tickets being sold last minute. Perhaps they didn't properly estimate the demand? Still doesn't excuse slow service it should only take a few seconds to sell a beer.

[Crows]

Our biggest fears confirmed......

looks bad.

http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg740/scaled.php?tn=0&server=740&filename=omqbp.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=640

[cc85]

That is horrible!

[go_leafs_go02]

Yikes...that does look horrible...

[peterprinciple]

Say it ain't so!

[Yume-sama]

Hmm lol you'd almost rather they just left the empty seats. That looks awful.

They really should have invested in some classy tarps with a nice design :P

[Millennium2002]

Arguably, at least it's not black tarp like what some other rumours suggested.

At the same time, I agree that they should have treated these curtains in the same or similar way they did the tight, waterproof roof.

[MJDDawg]

I've tried to keep an open mind on these curtains, hoping they could pull it off, hoping that they somehow might come close to the FIFA 12 render and not look like a bush league joke. They've failed miserably.

Now maybe they still haven't worked out the bugs due to this being the first time it's been deployed. Then again...maybe this is as good as it gets. Either way, it's an embarrassment in my opinion.

Lenarduzzi and Pavco have been staring at the the Qwest/Century Link field solution for two years. Not only would it look waaaaaaay better than this joke...I'm sure it would have been a less expensive solution.

And no...I'm not bitter.

[red-paladin]

I've tried to keep an open mind on these curtains, hoping they could pull it off, hoping that they somehow might come close to the FIFA 12 render and not look like a bush league joke. They've failed miserably.

Now maybe they still haven't worked out the bugs due to this being the first time it's been deployed. Then again...maybe this is as good as it gets.

Either way, it's an embarrassment in my opinion.

Looks like it's laundry day :(

[peterprinciple]

I say take 'em down and start over at contractor's expense or whomever decided that this was the way to go.

[CPE]

I don't get why they used many thinner pieces of fabric. They should have just used bigger pieces so that there wouldn't be gaps.

[peterprinciple]

http://www.vancourier.com/business/Place+workers+considering+strike+action/5468742/story.html

[peterprinciple]

Be interesting to see how things went concession-wise after today's Whitecaps Game.

[GeeCee]

Probably not much better:

http://www.news1130.com/news/local/article/284056--over-150-bc-place-staff-didn-t-show-up-opening-night-pavco

[peterprinciple]

Fire the catering company or fire the staff that didnt show up. There are plenty of hardworking, "adults" who need jobs in Vancouver.

Fire or reprimand the manager of food services BC Place.

[peterprinciple]

Sound harsh? I dont suffer fools gladly and neither should PAVCO. Not after 563 million dollars of our money has been spent on this Jewel.

[peterprinciple]

One of those no-sho union staffers is probably responsible for the 5 gallon paint container that was hurled onto the plaza at gate F also.

[GeeCee]

peter, please use the edit button if you have additional thoughts to add. There is no need to make multiple posts in a row.

[agrant]

Was at the game today. Caps had their usual moment of brain farting that cost them. No half-time show, for those that are into that. The draping looked ok from the side, but looking at it across the pitch, the gaps were noticeable. Overall I didn't think they were that bad. With all the LED stuff, it almost was over stimulating. They opened the roof just before the kickoff. Seemed like it only took 5 minutes. Overall, a big improvement over what they had.

[jlousa]

The concessions in the 300 level were terrific.:tup:
The drapes look terrible, don't think joining them together will be enough to fix it either, as being in the 300 level seats they obstructed the top of the screens, not to mention you could only see the open roof by looking thru them, Pretty poor design overall.
Also a bit disappointed that the sideline leds only go half way around the field.
Still digging the new stadium but think a few things need to be reworked.

[agrant]

The concessions in the 300 level were terrific.:tup:
The drapes look terrible, don't think joining them together will be enough to fix it either, as being in the 300 level seats they obstructed the top of the screens, not to mention you could only see the open roof by looking thru them, Pretty poor design overall.
Also a bit disappointed that the sideline leds only go half way around the field.
Still digging the new stadium but think a few things need to be reworked.That sideline LED was the same at Empire, and it's the same in some other stadiums. It's just advertising opportunity, and I wouldn't miss it if I couldn't see it personally. They have it on the one side for the TV...

[CorbeauNoir]

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I actually liked the way they closed off the upper bowl. Just tarping off the seats would feel way too cavernous I think.

The stadium looks great. Now it just needs a team that doesn't SUCK DONKEY NUTS to play in it. You know it's bad when opening the roof felt like the biggest highlight of the game in Vancouver's favour.

[peterprinciple]

peter, please use the edit button if you have additional thoughts to add. There is no need to make multiple posts in a row.

Shame I didnt have all those thoughts all at once.

[CorbeauNoir]

Shame I didnt have all those thoughts all at once.

...that's exactly WHY there's an edit button in the first place.

[peterprinciple]

These are great pics CN too bad the drape idea didnt work. They need to fix this soon.

[peterprinciple]

Oh and while we are on the subject of multiple posts...lets apply the same rules to bloggers who feel the need to show the same photo over and over and over and over.

[crazyjoeda]

Was at today's Whitecaps game and BC Place looks great! The curtains look far worse than simply having the upper bowl empty. Not only does it look tacky, but from where I was sitting the curtains partially block the opening in the roof. I hope they never use it again! The way Seattle tarps off the empty seats looks far better, if BC Place does that it will be an awesome venue for soccer.

[CPE]

Did they use lights or anything on the draping system like they said they were going to do?

[CorbeauNoir]

Was at today's Whitecaps game and BC Place looks great! The curtains look far worse than simply having the upper bowl empty. Not only does it look tacky, but from where I was sitting the curtains partially block the opening in the roof. I hope they never use it again! The way Seattle tarps off the empty seats looks far better, if BC Place does that it will be an awesome venue for soccer.

I think the problem is that Qwest Field is a much less enclosed design than BCP is, isn't it? Acoustics pinballing off empty stands isn't as much of an issue when you're in an open-air environment. It's already pretty echoey in there as-is but it'd be a lot worse without those screens.

I really do prefer the pseudo-roof idea. If you leave the upper bowl open the stadium feels like a giant cavernous void - the fan experience is miserable enough with the on-field product, why intensify that by consciously making the stadium feel like it's perpetually 3/4s empty? That said, I was expecting the tarps to link together more coherently than they did. Especially on the corners it looked particularly awkward. I think if they were rearranged a bit to form a genuine ring above the seats it'd look a lot better.

[agrant]

Did they use lights or anything on the draping system like they said they were going to do?Nope. Thank goodness. I would have had a seizure.

[officedweller]

Another pics by a co-worker:

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/4839/img2011100200072.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/255/img2011100200072.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[djmk]

at the game this afternoon. couple thoughts

1) the acoustics SUCK!!!. It's nearly impossible to hear (or perhaps understand) the chants of the southsiders and my seats are about 5 sections over. All i hear is loud white noise. Sure, I can hear the announcer, but that is because there is a speaker pointed right at me. for me, one of the main attractions of professional soccer is is the fan involvement in the chants and cheers. When one side screams WHITE, but the other side can barely here it, the effect is lost.

2) I think the drapes will look much cooler when it's a night game.

3) the whitecaps SUCK!!! why the hell is Vagenas even starting.

4) I feel much, much further from the field. and there is less of a community feel.

[cc85]

I was in section 241 and I could hear the portland fans' chants quite well. The padded seats are quite nice, the cup holders behind the seats are less than ideal compared to the other sections.

[jlousa]

I noticed the seats in the 238 section had cup holders on the back of the seats at ground level. The ones in the 300 section were padded but had no cup holders at all, nor do the arm rest fold out of the way like some of the seats in the 200 level. The padded seats were quite comfy though.

[Prometheus]

On television, I noticed a perceptible amount of empty seats. I am surprised it was not a sellout, considering this was the Whitecaps' inaugural game at the new BC Place and that there were only 21,000 seats available to begin with. If I am correct, this means that despite being a special game, there was less than special (or even average) attendance.

Also, I could swear that the Timbers fans were out cheering the Whitecaps fans. It seemed that way during the Sounders game last week too. At least that is what could be heard on television.

[CorbeauNoir]

Also, I could swear that the Timbers fans were out cheering the Whitecaps fans. It seemed that way during the Sounders game last week too. At least that is what could be heard on television.

Portland and Seattle have some of the biggest and most militantly-dedicated Tifo groups in MLS, they outcheer virtually everyone.

[hummingbird]

I noticed the seats in the 238 section had cup holders on the back of the seats at ground level. The ones in the 300 section were padded but had no cup holders at all, nor do the arm rest fold out of the way like some of the seats in the 200 level. The padded seats were quite comfy though.

We were in the stadium and noticed that too, the guy beside us said that it's a good mentioned something and got me thinking he said he wouldn't put his cup of beer in the cup holder because someone could caugh, spit, drug, or do something to it if it's sitting there...ew~~. LOL so I'd rather hang on to my drink and enjoy the game.

[Prometheus]

Portland and Seattle have some of the biggest and most militantly-dedicated Tifo groups in MLS, they outcheer virtually everyone.

Sure. But it is sort of embarrassing when they do it in someone else's stadium.

Oh, maybe that's what you meant by "Tifo groups". But acccording to the Portland television announcers, there were only 500 Timbers fans. 19,500 getting out cheered by 500 is kind of sad.

[Steveston]

I have Lions season tickets, and sit in the front row of the end zone. My seats don't have cupholders, and strangely, have a row of seats hanging "in mid air" on the outside of the rail. I suppose they're used when the seats are extended further down for 'Caps games, as they don't use the same length of the turf that the Lions do.

The wider seats are much more comfortable, and you're not banging knees with the person in the next seat.

From my seats, close to field level, the roof opening is huge. It also made a big difference in the temperature inside -- it was quite a bit cooler than a normal game -- it felt much more like an outdoor stadium, except without the breeze you would feel at Empire.

A big difference, for the fans in attendance, is that incredible video screen. High def, as good as your TV at home. Because we sit in one end zone, it's hard to see the play at the far end, but the screen gives a great view.

I thought the sound quality was a quantum leap better than the old BC Place. The only glitch was the the ref's microphone, which sounded horrible, and the "cheerleader" was about 2 notches too loud.

It seems like the open roof has also reduced the effect of the fan noise -- when trying to distract the opposition offense, it seemed like the impact was not as significant as with the closed roof (but that's to be expected).

Unfortunately, the level of food/beverage service was abysmal. I'll cut them some slack on this one, 'cause it's hard to do a dress rehearsal for 50,000 guests, but they'd better get this staff whipped into shape by the next game, because last Friday's gong show was totally unacceptable. I was served a near-inedible burger, after waiting about 25 minutes in line for it. I was at the Seahawks game today, and with over 65,000 people in attendance, everything ran very smoothly (of course, they've had a lot of practice). On the other hand, the traffic is Seattle is a nightmare. We were one of the last people out of the stadium, and we were still sitting in gridlock for over 30 minutes.

However, Century Link Stadium's video boards are ancient technology compared to the new HD units at BCPlace.

[Pinion]

On the other hand, the traffic is Seattle is a nightmare. We were one of the last people out of the stadium, and we were still sitting in gridlock for over 30 minutes.

Translink however does not have their shit together as usual. My wife works on Sundays and had to wait a full hour to board the Seabus due to all the Whitecaps fans. It baffles my mind that no one thinks "Maybe we'll need to have more than one sailing every 30 minutes when 10s of thousands of people are going in and out of downtown at the same time."

[twoNeurons]

In section 206, you could hear the Timbers pretty loud and clear. They have amazing fan support. Then again, they have more to cheer about.

As for Seattle. They have really loud fans. They're also a top 3 team.

[Vancity]

Those draps at bc place (by some of the pics posted here) look awful. i hope they change their system. makes a world-class stadium, look like a second rate stadium with that drapping system in place. oh, the decisions that are made..makes you wonder sometimes...

[Smooth]

I was also at the game yesterday. I thought the drapes didn't look great but also they didn't look as awful as some people here are making them sound. I don't know how long they'll last though if the Whitecaps keep setting off fireworks near them at the beginning of their games.

Here's a pic I took from my seats:
http://i.imgur.com/hFQNY.jpg

As for the loud Timbers supporters, I think their sound carried around the rest of the stadium better because they were under the second level overhang. The Southsiders noise seemed to just get lost because they were in the open.

[SpongeG]

i heard on the TV that food vendors didn't get much time to set up and practice inside the stadium hence the chaos and they have apparently hired 100 people to fix the problems

[CorbeauNoir]

i heard on the TV that food vendors didn't get much time to set up and practice inside the stadium hence the chaos and they have apparently hired 100 people to fix the problems

Concessions were definitely busy but it didn't seem like it was anything I haven't encountered at a typical hockey game, certainly didn't seem like the horror stories people were bringing up on Friday. Of course, maybe they had an easier time handling a smaller crowd than they did with the Lions game.

Prices are astro-fucking-nomical, though. I seriously thought people were making humorous exaggerations when they said that beer was 10.50. Definitely make sure you're tanked before you go in. :haha:

[agrant]

I was also at the game yesterday. I thought the drapes didn't look great but also they didn't look as awful as some people here are making them sound. I don't know how long they'll last though if the Whitecaps keep setting off fireworks near them at the beginning of their games.


As for the loud Timbers supporters, I think their sound carried around the rest of the stadium better because they were under the second level overhang. The Southsiders noise seemed to just get lost because they were in the open.The Southsiders problem is they just don't have the critical mass of people to be heard well, and for the rest of the crowd to join in. I figure there's maybe a 100 that actually sing along, plus or minus a couple dozen. They need at least three times as many people to sing along to compete with the likes of Seattle and Portland. It's a shame the rest of the crowd sit with their thumbs up their asses. I didn't hear much more than a peep from anyone around me. If you're going to do that, watch it on TV!

[vanlaw]

Prices are astro-fucking-nomical, though. I seriously thought people were making humorous exaggerations when they said that beer was 10.50. Definitely make sure you're tanked before you go in. :haha:

I dont understand all of the comments about the $10.50 beer. Its a 20 OZ beer people! At Empire, it was $8 for a 12 oz can (355ml) of Stella, I think a 12 oz Bud draught was $7 or $7.50.

At BC Place, 12oz Bud is $8, a 20oz (591ml) is $10.50. So, 31% more expensive for 66% more beer. Pretty simple choice, imho. Granted they will only give you 1 20oz at a time, but still it much cheaper on a volume basis tha grabbing 2 12oz. - 10.50 for a 20oz, or $16 for 24oz (2x12). Doesnt seem crazy to me in a relative sense - i.e. relative to general stadium prices no matter where you go - and is basically same price as Empire. :shrug:

As to predrinking - always a good idea. A 650ml bottle of Phillips Amnesiac Double IPA (8.5%) sure went down well before I walked in yesterday :cheers:

[WarrenC12]

Definitely some lacking math in the complaints.

Although I miss the 24oz for $12 bottom filled beer they had at Empire. I can't believe that didn't make the transition.

[ffdb38]

I thought there would be more pics of the whitecaps setup on this board. Anyone?

[officedweller]

I was also at the game yesterday. I thought the drapes didn't look great but also they didn't look as awful as some people here are making them sound. I don't know how long they'll last though if the Whitecaps keep setting off fireworks near them at the beginning of their games.


Thanks!
It really doesn't look like BC Place in that shot.

[djmk]

Definitely make sure you're tanked before you go in. :haha:

amen brother

[TMW]

You're all going to think I'm crazy but I actually like the draping system.

Yes the gaps are noticeable but if you ignore that it's not actually that bad.

It really creates a tight intimate atmosphere without cutting out the rest of the stadium.

[hollywoodnorth]

thanks Smooth for the photo .... I think the draping looks great .. IMO

[Prometheus]

Warm-up before the game:

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/5571/19324487.jpg

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/7729/36769668.jpg

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/5848/14055276.jpg

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/1968/15911569.jpg

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/6525/65749130.jpg

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/7700/58847807.jpg

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/7226/96060555.jpg

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/125/73692270.jpg

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/7316/70471981.jpg

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/9797/43220005.jpg

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/1473/50881437.jpg

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/7202/62719198.jpg

All photos by Woody posted on Lionsbackers.com: http://lionbackers.com/bc_lions/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=19933&sid=6c79a8b5633b066c2e9eac10d79cd4dc

[Locked In]

^ Nice photos, thanks.
-------------
From the Sun:


BC Place screen irks area residents, city manager

By Jeff Lee, Vancouver Sun October 4, 2011 7:29 PM

http://www.vancouversun.com/5502521.bin

Vancouver city says it was blindsided by PavCo's installation of a massive high-definition LED video screen on the outside of BC Place that is now drawing public complaints.

City manager Penny Ballem told council Tuesday that the city had no idea PavCo was erecting the screen adjacent to Terry Fox Plaza until she and another official toured the site 10 days ago. But she said there's little the city can do because BC Place is provincial property and PavCo doesn't need city sign permits.

Ballem was responding to queries from Coun. Geoff Meggs, who said he's received a number of complaints from residents in nearby buildings.

"The city can't do anything about it if the province is not prepared to cooperate," Meggs told reporters. "What has happened is that the residents and the city woke up the day that the stadium opened again to discover there is a massive LED screen at the foot of Robson that is casting light into all the nearby residential buildings."

PavCo president Warren Buckley said the corporation will be making changes to lessen the impact. He said the screen is undergoing testing at full brightness but eventually will be restricted to daylight hours and major game nights.

"We're quite intending on cooperating. We're going to restrict the hours and the intensity," he said. "We're very mindful of any concerns in the neighbourhood and we're going to address those."

Two other existing LED screens at opposite ends of the stadium are being upgraded and will be in place by Grey Cup weekend. Buckley said they too will be run in a way that mitigates the impact on neighbours.
© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

Source: Vancouver Sun (http://www.vancouversun.com/Place+screen+irks+area+residents+city+manager/5502327/story.html)

[hollywoodnorth]

NIMBY ALERT
http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/News/Canada/BC/1258521056/ID=2148092439

[logan5]

Maybe people have legitimate complaints, I don't know for sure. But the first guy in the video, his place doesn't even face the jumbo-tron, unless the light somehow curves around the stadium and towards his apartment.

It's a really bad idea to live downtown if you don't like lights and noise.

[TMW]

Maybe people have legitimate complaints, I don't know for sure. But the first guy in the video, his place doesn't even face the jumbo-tron, unless the light somehow curves around the stadium and towards his apartment.

It's a really bad idea to live downtown if you don't like lights and noise.

Very well said.

[nobase2010]

CnosruEGu20

[hummingbird]

Love the blue light and from a distance it looks amazing, especially in the morning, it looks like a little crab. However, I was at a colleagues condo in the evening and they pulled down the blackout shades and the light could still be seen through the blinds. I didn't think it was that bad but it is rather bright so I can see their issue. Perhaps Pavco can turn them off after 11pm each night or only display them on weekends.

Was telling my colleague that with the Pavco lights they will save a huge amount on electricity as they don't need to light their condo at all. LOL

[Vancity]

CnosruEGu20

I don't think the 'Caps are going to change their draping system. Even though it looks bad. Aesthetically, it doesn't look good. Stadium looks great, but I think the draping system needs a change (already).

[Pinion]

I just noticed driving down Lonsdale in North Van that BC Place is now clearly visible (or, at least part of it).

In the past you could only see the white roof, which blended in with the sky.

It looks pretty cool. Sticks out more than anything downtown.

[Waders]

If you were at last Friday's BC Place reopening, check out the picture (http://www.gigapixel.com/image/gigapan-bcplace-bclions.html) taken by GigaPixel. Maybe you can find yourself in the crowd :)
I zoomed in randomly and one of the fan was captured in the photo snoozing! :P

[mhy]

I'm a bit disappointed with how generic the front entrance looks, and how it doesn't match with the round stadium at all. We've seen that awning everywhere in this city, from Shaw Tower, to the airport terminal, to hospital additions, you name it. They should have went with a more skeletal structure to match the roof trusses (with glass in fill), or at least curve the awning and glass wall. What's an extra few hundred thousand on top of half-billion dollars...

It's too bad orange is the Lion's colour. It looks nice as an accent on white, but too much of it looks really 80's, and reminds me of the NDP. The stadium would have looked more modern and west-coast with slate-blue and green seating, IMO

edit: as follows
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/9180/spring20112.jpg

[Dr Awesomesauce]

A really nice looking renovation there, though I know not all agree.

It looks a little smaller. Does it still seat 60,000?

[go_leafs_go02]

I don't think the 'Caps are going to change their draping system. Even though it looks bad. Aesthetically, it doesn't look good. Stadium looks great, but I think the draping system needs a change (already).

Well, based on that video, I'm going to go with the assumption that it was the very first time the draping was actually put in place, and used. You can see how the draping keeps moving up and down as they tried to get things right.

Maybe in the future they will be able to seal the seams, because really, that's all I think that needs to be done to make it look far better. It looks cheap, and at this rate, I highly advocate draping the upper deck with tarps rather that these drapes. Doesn't look good at all.

[peterprinciple]

As quoted by mhy - ("I'm a bit disappointed with how generic the front entrance looks, and how it doesn't match with the round stadium at all. We've seen that awning everywhere in this city, from Shaw Tower, to the airport terminal, to hospital additions, you name it. They should have went with a more skeletal structure to match the roof trusses (with glass in fill), or at least curve the awning and glass wall. What's an extra few hundred thousand on top of half-billion dollars...

It's too bad orange is the Lion's colour. It looks nice as an accent on white, but too much of it looks really 80's, and reminds me of the NDP. The stadium would have looked more modern and west-coast with slate-blue and green seating, IMO".)

Reply by Peterprinciple - The seats are not orange. The Lions uniforms are orange and have been for decades now. The seats in the stadium are red, maroon, light grey and darker grey. According to your argument Halloween colours should not include orange because it reminds you of the NDP.

[CorbeauNoir]

I don't think the 'Caps are going to change their draping system. Even though it looks bad. Aesthetically, it doesn't look good. Stadium looks great, but I think the draping system needs a change (already).

Honestly, I'd rather be in a stadium that has a wonky-looking roof that I won't even be paying attention to once the game starts - especially considering that it looks like the roof angles can be adjusted to look crisper anyway -than a stadium that looks like it's perpetually half-empty.

I'm actually really surprised that so many people are in favour of tarping off the upper bowl that way. It would make me feel like I'm at the soccer equivalent of a Phoenix Coyotes home game.

[WarrenC12]

If you were at last Friday's BC Place reopening, check out the picture (http://www.gigapixel.com/image/gigapan-bcplace-bclions.html) taken by GigaPixel. Maybe you can find yourself in the crowd :)
I zoomed in randomly and one of the fan was captured in the photo snoozing! :P

How long does it take them to put those pictures together? I notice that they have Sarah out there ready to sing, but nobody is standing up. I scanned for my seat and I'm out getting a beer.. :cheers: But I was there for the anthem, so... ?

[Zassk]

Tarping looked really bad back when the BC Lions did it. I suppose there is better tarping and worse tarping, and the Seattle version certainly looks better, but it still looks empty and pathetic if you ask me. I like how the new draping draws the attention to the hole in the center of the roof instead.

[Innersoul1]

:yuck:NIMBY ALERT
http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/News/Canada/BC/1258521056/ID=2148092439

Wow, that reporter is annoying as hell!

[Canadian Skin]

How long does it take them to put those pictures together? I notice that they have Sarah out there ready to sing, but nobody is standing up. I scanned for my seat and I'm out getting a beer.. :cheers: But I was there for the anthem, so... ?

If you look around the digital ring, there are a blend of different ads and messages, as well as a score from early in the second quarter.

[Canadian Skin]

I'm a bit disappointed with how generic the front entrance looks, and how it doesn't match with the round stadium at all. We've seen that awning everywhere in this city, from Shaw Tower, to the airport terminal, to hospital additions, you name it. They should have went with a more skeletal structure to match the roof trusses (with glass in fill), or at least curve the awning and glass wall. What's an extra few hundred thousand on top of half-billion dollars...

It's too bad orange is the Lion's colour. It looks nice as an accent on white, but too much of it looks really 80's, and reminds me of the NDP. The stadium would have looked more modern and west-coast with slate-blue and green seating, IMO

edit: as follows
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/9180/spring20112.jpg

Your picture makes the seating look like the New Orleans Superdome in the 70's.

I think the colours they chose will stand up better and longer than the hues you tried.