Away Days: Vancouver
The first thing that will jump out to you about newly-renovated BC Place is the roof. This focal point of Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s new building provides a sense of space unrivaled in any MLS venue. It’s a suspension-based structure that is retractable, much like a few of the new European venues seen in Germany. If you ever saw a sporting event in the old BC Place, the amount of light and open air inside the stadium are a remarkable contrast to the dark, domed structure that housed the BC Lions and old NASL Whitecaps.
Then there’s the video board. As part of the renovations, Vancouver installed the second-largest high definition stadium screen in North America, second only to the one at Cowboys Stadium. The largest side is 68 feet X 38 feet, and as you can see from the pictures below, it’s impressive. Add to that the usual beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the second densest urban environment in North America, and you have one hell of a trip.
Unfortunately our final road match of 2011 was a loss, but the overall experience was terrific, and the players were genuinely in awe of BC Place’s infrastructure. For many of them, it was the finest stadium in the League, and most had it in their top three.
