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BC Place Tidbits & BC Lions Giveaway

Comments 150 by Rebecca Bollwitt
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BC Place has been an icon in Vancouver since it first opened in June of 1983. It’s featured on post cards, posters, banners, and almost every image that depicts our city.

Monday Night Lights
Photo credit: Basedigital Images on Flickr – Submitted to the Miss604 Flickr Pool.

Home to the 2011 Grey Cup Champion BC Lions and Vancouver’s WhitecapsFC MLS team, BC Place also hosts expos, trade shows, and other events throughout the year. For 2012 they already have 250 occupancy days booked.

The stadium underwent renovations after the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and re-opened last fall. Aside from the roof replacement, seismic upgrades were performed, suites were re-modeled, seats were swapped out, and many of the grey cement walls were transformed into large multi-storey windows.

I’ve spent more time at BC Place in the last few months that I have at any other point in my life since we became WhitecapsFC season ticket holders. ‘Fresh air’ and ‘light’ are now words you can associate with the stadium.

BC Place Pre-Game Tour BC Place Pre-Game Tour

I took a quick tour last week prior to the first BC Lions exhibition game of the season. Graham Ramsay, Director of Sales and Marketing, fielded my questions that mostly stemmed from overheard conversations at games.

Why this colour pattern on the seats?
You’ll notice there doesn’t appear to be a discernible pattern to the grey, orange, and red seats placed around the stadium. Ramsay said that the developer quite simply showed them 6 different computer-generated layout patterns for the seats, then they chose one that looked good and went with it. They wanted to avoid big blocks of blue (from the previous seats) that you would see in the old BC Place configuration.

BC Place Pre-Game Tour

Can you close the roof if it starts raining during a game?
The roof can be closed at any time however, Ramsay said that’s something they can’t do in the middle of a match as it could effect game play (wind direction and other conditions). It takes about 20 minutes for the roof to fully open or close.

PlayDome @ BC Place
Play Dome at BC Place. Photo credit: John Biehler on Flickr

How long does it take to go from a Whitecaps to BC Lions setup?
Removing the banners from seats, opening up the top level, cleaning the lines off the field, adding in the goal posts — all of that takes about 48 hours to complete. For special events, the field gets covered in over 1200 sheets of Terracover material.

BC Place Pre-Game Tour BC Place Pre-Game Tour

Something new that’s been introduced to BC Place this season is a wider selection of food options. From a Vij’s stand and Steveston Fish & Chips, to ‘Southsliders’ pulled pork mini burgers.

BC Place Pre-Game Tour

I also got a taste of what you can find in the Edgewater Lounge, near the club section and suites. There I met Executive Chef Ryan Stone who demonstrated the “hot potato bar” — think Marble Slab or Coldstone Creamery for ice cream but on a hot marble slab and with mashed potato. Guests can choose their toppings like braised short rib, chicken, bacon, onions, gravy, and cheese curds.

BC Place Pre-Game Tour BC Place Pre-Game Tour BC Place Pre-Game Tour

Lost and Found, where do the items go?
Any items not claimed from lost and found at BC Place after a 2-month period are sent to the Development Disability Association, a charity supported by BC Place.

BC Place Pre-Game Tour

If you would like to check out BC Place for yourself, whether you’ve seen the results of the renovation already or not, I have 2 tickets available for the BC Lions season opener against Winnipeg on June 29th. Here’s how you can enter to win them:

  • Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
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RT to enter to win tickets to the @BCLions season opener from @BCPlace & @Miss604 http://ow.ly/bFhqs

I will draw one winner at random from all entries on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at 11:00pm. Update The winner is ag.!

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*All contests are open to residents of Canada only, unless otherwise stated. Contest timelines are published on each individual post along with entry methods. Some contests may only be open to those 19 years of age and older. Winners are announced on the contest blog posts. Contest policy »

150 Comments  —  Comments Are Closed

  1. Aaron B.Monday, June 18th, 2012 — 4:46pm PDT

    Would love to catch this game!

  2. RickMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 4:47pm PDT

    GO LIONS GO!

  3. SteveMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 4:51pm PDT

    Havent seen the new BC Place inside. Cool article!!

  4. Michael HayesMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 4:52pm PDT

    Love the new look would live even more to see it in person.

  5. Christopher CoMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 4:53pm PDT

    I’ve never been to a BC Lions game before. I’d love to go to the opener!

  6. heatherMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 4:54pm PDT

    Roooar!!!!!

  7. SylviaMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 5:00pm PDT

    Would love to win these for my brother!

  8. Ashley ChowMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 5:01pm PDT

    Cool!

  9. HarjitMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 5:01pm PDT

    Would luv to surprise my hubs with tix

  10. BrandonMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 5:09pm PDT

    Go lions go!

  11. AmandaMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 5:14pm PDT

    Season Opener! 🙂

  12. Michael KwanMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 5:18pm PDT

    I went to the open house, but I haven’t been to the “new” BC Place for a game yet.

  13. Sylvia YMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 5:23pm PDT

    Sounds like a great time!

  14. MeganMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 5:29pm PDT

    I have only ever been to one game, and that was probably 20 years ago. Would love to go to the home opener at BC Place!

  15. BonnieMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 5:41pm PDT

    Roar, Lions, roar!

  16. S. KavitaMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 6:00pm PDT

    Go Lions! 🙂

  17. NancyMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 6:02pm PDT

    I’d love to go!

  18. Kevin RobertsonMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 6:17pm PDT

    I want to go to the game!

  19. bcMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 6:46pm PDT

    Go Lions!!

  20. GlendaMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 7:04pm PDT

    would love to see my first Lions game live!

  21. JeffMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 7:17pm PDT

    I would really love to win this. I haven;t had a chance to see the new BC Place yet.

  22. SharonMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 7:28pm PDT

    Roar, you Lions, roar!

  23. ChrisMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 7:46pm PDT

    Go Lions! Repeat Grey Cup!

  24. EricaMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 8:12pm PDT

    Never been to lions’ game before… wants to see the new BC place and feel the strong vibe from the fans and audience 🙂

  25. AndyMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 8:23pm PDT

    I’d love to be there to see the Lions repeat their victory over the Bombers, on their way to a Grey Cup repeat! Go Lions!

  26. StephanieMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 8:27pm PDT

    Would love to go to this game!

  27. RayMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 8:40pm PDT

    I feel another Grey Cup coming on!

  28. Samuel MaMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 8:55pm PDT

    Would love to go see my first Lions game LIVE ! Please pick me

  29. ChelleMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 9:27pm PDT

    I’m so happy you explained about the seat pattern–we’d been wondering what or if there was a reason for it!

  30. Dennis SatoMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 10:01pm PDT

    My son loves the Lions! Yay ticket contest!

  31. Paula HMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 10:52pm PDT

    Would love to cheer for the Lions and finally check out BC Place!

  32. BernadetteMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 11:02pm PDT

    love the lions 🙂 just hope the little overlooked details from when the stadium reopened are finally fixed.

  33. ClaudineMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 11:49pm PDT

    My friend raves about your site…I finally decide to check it out and I can see what she’s talking about now 🙂

  34. Faye McCMonday, June 18th, 2012 — 11:55pm PDT

    Thanks for the virtual tour! It would be awesome if I won the tickets to the BC Lions’ season opener!

  35. DavidTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 8:15am PDT

    haven’t been to a Lion’s game before. Would love to go!

  36. LisaTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 8:25am PDT

    Would love to have a chance to bring my daughter to a game!

  37. LeahTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 8:29am PDT

    haven’t been to bc place since it has been renovated. I’d love to go!

  38. VinceTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 8:44am PDT

    Haven’t seen the new BC place – would be nice to change that!

  39. GregTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 8:50am PDT

    I want to bring my son!

  40. DeidreTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 8:52am PDT

    This would be fun! Ah, but which family memebr to take….!

  41. bucks14Tuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 10:28am PDT

    Go Lions!

  42. Michelle W.Tuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 10:39am PDT

    Still haven’t been to a game at the new BC Place!

  43. PaolaTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 11:08am PDT

    OMG I want them please, pretty please. 🙂

  44. ShayneTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 11:08am PDT

    Nice recap of your tour, the stadium was definitely revitalized for the better!

  45. JasonTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 11:09am PDT

    Wow I haven’t been to a game since 2000. How sad is that? Would love to go cheer our boys on.

  46. GamalTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 11:10am PDT

    Would love to win these tix to see the Lions play against my hometown Winnipeg!!!

  47. NatalieTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 11:10am PDT

    I would love to win these for my husband!!

  48. BreanneTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 11:11am PDT

    Let’s Go Lions!!!

  49. KatTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 11:12am PDT

    I’ve never been to a Lions game. Would love to go!

  50. MeganTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 11:13am PDT

    I’m a huge CFL fan!! Please enter me in the contest 🙂 Thanks!

  51. MikeTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 11:14am PDT

    Season Opener would be sweet! C’mon tickets!

  52. Lori-Airbnb SuperhostTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 11:14am PDT

    I’d love to be at this game and see Geroy Simon get the yardage he needs!

  53. PedroTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 11:15am PDT

    Stadium looks great!!

  54. LeahTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 11:15am PDT

    Can’t wait for the season to start! GO LIONS!

  55. MichaelTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 11:15am PDT

    The Lions bring out the best in us — especially in the stand they’re taking to end violence against women. RESPECT Lions!

  56. Art B.Tuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 11:21am PDT

    Wow, it looks like a whole new stadium…can’t wait to watch a game there!

  57. CandiceTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 11:21am PDT

    Love it when they make those baskets … (kidding!!)

  58. DarcyTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 11:22am PDT

    I’d love to see the new stadium and support our BC Lions at the home opener!

  59. BekkiTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 11:27am PDT

    I haven’t been to a BC Lions game in years! Would love to go…

  60. BOOST Design + MarketingTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 11:27am PDT

    Was at BC Place recently for EAT! Vancouver. It was fantastic! The new roof is gorgeous from inside. Took quite a few photos of it while there!

  61. CameronTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 11:36am PDT

    I still haven’t made it along to a BC Lions game. Would love to get to the opener!

  62. PuckTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 11:39am PDT

    I got invited to the regular season ender last year. My first Lions game! I would like to go again 🙂

  63. Mike vTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 11:41am PDT

    B.C. PLACE is great! The seats are spacious and comfy. The perfect place to see a game.
    ROAR LIONS ROAR!

  64. jeanieTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 11:50am PDT

    be so exciting to catch the Lions opener! =D

  65. ChistaTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 11:55am PDT

    Haven’t been inside the renovated stadium! Go lions!

  66. MasumiTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 12:33pm PDT

    Would be a fun way to kick off the long weekend!

  67. NicoleTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 12:47pm PDT

    Sign me up!

  68. CFTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 12:53pm PDT

    Would love to go 🙂

  69. David D.Tuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 1:09pm PDT

    Yes please! 🙂

  70. Mike TTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 1:13pm PDT

    I love BC Place and the BC Lions! I want to go!

  71. Michelle GTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 1:19pm PDT

    Go Lions Go! ROARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

  72. RichardTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 1:22pm PDT

    I’d love to go, might take my brother!

  73. Josh nicolasTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 1:38pm PDT

    Pick me!

  74. au07Tuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 1:49pm PDT

    RRROOOOOOOAAAAAARRRRRRR! ♥♥♥ u Travis Lulay!

  75. ZarquonTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 1:57pm PDT

    C’mon and roar you Lions roar
    Thats what a Lions roar is for
    From the mountains to the sea
    You are the pride of all BC

    RAH RAH!

    So buckle down and play the game
    You’ll lead us on to football fame

    We love the L
    The I The O, N, S

    C’mon and roar you Lions
    Roar you Lions Roar you Lions roar

    RAH RAH RAH!

  76. EmeryTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 1:58pm PDT

    GO LIONS

  77. SanazTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 2:19pm PDT

    I’ve never been to a football game so would love to check this out!

  78. GigiTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 3:15pm PDT

    Would love a chance to see the new place and see my first ever football game!

  79. lizTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 4:01pm PDT

    Roar you LIONS ROAR!!!Love the BC LIONS !

  80. AmyTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 4:37pm PDT

    Lulayyy roar you lions roar

  81. coralTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 4:43pm PDT

    Go Lions!!

  82. JeanieTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 5:07pm PDT

    GO LIONS!! RAWRRR!!!

  83. GaryTuesday, June 19th, 2012 — 9:43pm PDT

    We’ve got a legend in Geroy Simon, an absolute beast of an athlete!

  84. NikkiWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 12:15am PDT

    I need a good excuse to buy & rock an orange wig!

  85. Nicole JWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 5:24am PDT

    Would love to watch my first ever football game.. Live!

  86. CGWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 7:52am PDT

    Love those popcorn buckets with a spoon!!

  87. taniaWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 9:06am PDT

    That would be a blast!

  88. rinoWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 9:07am PDT

    I would love to go to a game!

  89. LindsayWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 10:58am PDT

    The hubby would love this! And I would love the vij’s food stand! MMM.

  90. MelissaWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 11:08am PDT

    Never been to a lions game before. Would love to go!

  91. CeciWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 12:26pm PDT

    Awesome, I’d love to go to a BC Lions game!

  92. Steve Zussino – Grocery AlertsWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 12:37pm PDT

    Would love to bring my wife to a football game!

  93. GARYWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 1:17pm PDT

    BC Place is beautiful now would love to go

  94. KatyWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 1:25pm PDT

    Now that I am a BC transplant I should go to a game, if only to see BC Place which looks like a wonderful building. Go Argo… oops. Go LIONS!

  95. DilaraWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 3:07pm PDT

    Would love the chance to catch a Lions game!

  96. JulieWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 3:18pm PDT

    I’ll take my boy!

  97. PeterWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 3:44pm PDT

    Win !!!!!!!

  98. PeterWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 3:45pm PDT

    Win More !!!!!

  99. Angela griffinWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 3:50pm PDT

    Great contest!

  100. Mike GismondiWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 3:51pm PDT

    Thanks for the chance to win!

  101. AlexWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 4:18pm PDT

    Go Lions!

  102. BevWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 4:55pm PDT

    BC Lions?! Yes, please!

  103. Jenn SWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 5:10pm PDT

    My brother would be so envious if I won.

  104. AndreaWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 5:21pm PDT

    Go, Lions, Go!

  105. TinaWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 7:40pm PDT

    Would love a chance to check out the stadium.

  106. TeresaWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 9:01pm PDT

    I would love to go.

  107. ElisaWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 9:14pm PDT

    I’ve never seen a lions game nor have I been to the new BC Place. Thanks!

  108. DebraWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 9:55pm PDT

    I can hardly wait for another Grey Cup winning season to start!

  109. KellyThursday, June 21st, 2012 — 2:04am PDT

    Haven’t been to a lions game since two years ago. Would love to win!

  110. LyndsayThursday, June 21st, 2012 — 8:20am PDT

    Being (somewhat) new to Vancouver, I’ve never been to BC Place! Keeping my fingers crossed, this would be a great “kick-off” to summer!

  111. BernadetteThursday, June 21st, 2012 — 9:49am PDT

    I’m a huge Lions fan…I loved it when they played at Empire Stadium last year definitely brought back the nostalgic feel of watching games in the great outdoors and enjoying the sunshine. But definitely would love to check out the new and wonderful building and the Lions first game! Definitely ready to lose my voice! GO LIONS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  112. taylor lorenThursday, June 21st, 2012 — 11:37am PDT

    go lions go!!!!

  113. chrissyThursday, June 21st, 2012 — 1:31pm PDT

    sounds like fun!

  114. RebeccaThursday, June 21st, 2012 — 3:36pm PDT

    Go Lions! 🙂

  115. Mary RoseThursday, June 21st, 2012 — 4:31pm PDT

    I’ve never been it would be awesome to go!!

  116. monique NaickerThursday, June 21st, 2012 — 9:01pm PDT

    Thanks for the chance miss 604.

  117. TonyThursday, June 21st, 2012 — 9:06pm PDT

    I would love to see the Lions play.

  118. TaylyrThursday, June 21st, 2012 — 10:29pm PDT

    Looks really neat!

  119. richard wFriday, June 22nd, 2012 — 9:55am PDT

    GEROY SIMON!

  120. ag.Friday, June 22nd, 2012 — 9:56am PDT

    Great photos! I was lucky enough to see the new stadium for the first time at the Grey Cup! And I’d love a chance to go back!

  121. JuliaFriday, June 22nd, 2012 — 11:44am PDT

    I would love to take my dad to this!

  122. MaeFriday, June 22nd, 2012 — 10:24pm PDT

    I’d love to catch a game at the revamped BC Place and see how the atmo compares to a game at Empire.

  123. DADSaturday, June 23rd, 2012 — 2:18am PDT

    I’ve not yet had a chance to check out the new BC Place, and what better way that to watch the mighty Lions roar!

  124. CyndiSaturday, June 23rd, 2012 — 11:06am PDT

    Go lions Go! Repeat!

  125. AnnaSaturday, June 23rd, 2012 — 11:08am PDT

    Would love to see the new BC place, and the lions go for another cup!

  126. James KSaturday, June 23rd, 2012 — 1:09pm PDT

    Lions Roar! Gonna take it all this year

  127. KimSaturday, June 23rd, 2012 — 2:40pm PDT

    Go Lions!!!

  128. Lor.Saturday, June 23rd, 2012 — 3:40pm PDT

    I’d love to introduce my step daughter to football and the BC Lions

  129. MosheSaturday, June 23rd, 2012 — 3:41pm PDT

    Lions game would be fun!

  130. shannonSaturday, June 23rd, 2012 — 4:09pm PDT

    I would love to take my dad to this game!!

  131. MichelleSaturday, June 23rd, 2012 — 7:16pm PDT

    Love the Lions. Love the vibe and buzz of being at a live game.

  132. howieSaturday, June 23rd, 2012 — 8:56pm PDT

    its a great stadium for football. go lions repeat

  133. KarenSunday, June 24th, 2012 — 7:41pm PDT

    Roar you Lions ROAR!!!!

  134. AaronSunday, June 24th, 2012 — 7:44pm PDT

    Gotta Support the Home Team!!

  135. KenSunday, June 24th, 2012 — 7:45pm PDT

    I absolutely love the stadium….money well spent.

  136. MarianneSunday, June 24th, 2012 — 7:48pm PDT

    I would love to Geroy, get the most catches!! Go Lions Go!!

  137. ChristinaSunday, June 24th, 2012 — 7:52pm PDT

    Would love to take my boyfriend to the Lions Game… even if I don’t win, I’ll be purchasing tickets 🙂
    YAY! Good luck y’all

  138. JustinSunday, June 24th, 2012 — 8:11pm PDT

    Would love to go!

  139. Roberta NeilsonSunday, June 24th, 2012 — 8:12pm PDT

    Cool post, I like the new food options :). Go Lions!

  140. caekbSunday, June 24th, 2012 — 8:16pm PDT

    Roar You Lions Roar!!

  141. GregSunday, June 24th, 2012 — 8:32pm PDT

    Count me in

  142. MarkSunday, June 24th, 2012 — 8:35pm PDT

    Would be nice to win!

  143. LeanaSunday, June 24th, 2012 — 8:56pm PDT

    New to Vancouver and would LOVE to go and see the BC Lions!!

  144. Albert GiesbrechtSunday, June 24th, 2012 — 9:24pm PDT

    I was at the opening of the new BC Place. It would be be nice to see a game there.

  145. ReginaSunday, June 24th, 2012 — 9:47pm PDT

    Go LIONS GO!!!!

  146. SueSunday, June 24th, 2012 — 9:59pm PDT

    Count me in!

  147. Grant BowenMonday, June 25th, 2012 — 8:12am PDT

    Got my orange face paint ready!

  148. RubyMonday, June 25th, 2012 — 11:09am PDT

    Would love to go 🙂

  149. BenMonday, June 25th, 2012 — 7:07pm PDT

    Have to dig up my old BC lions hat!!

  150. Ruth MThursday, July 5th, 2012 — 1:05pm PDT

    Have been to only one Lions game and had a riot, would love to go again

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