Project Description
This challenging revitalization project was initiated to replace the existing air-supported roof of BC Place Stadium, home of various sports teams and host Olympic Stadium for the Opening and Closing ceremonies of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. The 60,000-seat stadium first opened in 1983 and featured the world’s largest air-supported roof, but it was nearing its expected service life. The decision was made to renovate the stadium and utilize the structure and foundations of the existing facility rather than replacing the venue. This was much more cost-effective, saved extensive waste from entering landfills and reduced the overall environmental impact of the redevelopment.
This roof replacement and facility upgrade was a global undertaking, requiring teamwork from over 150 consultants, subcontractors and suppliers in 20 countries. The new cable-supported roof, which combines retractable and permanent fixed fabric, is the largest of its kind in the world. The retractable portion inflates to 100 metres by 85 metres and then retracts into the centre of the opening. It is hidden inside a pod above the second largest centre-hung high definition videoboard in North America. Held in place by 36 steel masts that are 47 metres tall (120 tons each) and 36 compression beams (160 tons each), the structure is like 18 suspension bridges, each around 200 metres long. It is held together by 35 kilometres of cable up to 125mm in diameter that were post-tensioned onsite.
The extensive retrofit upgrades took place concurrently during the roof erection and included a seismic upgrade, enhanced entrance and concourses, and new mechanical and electrical systems. Further improvements included new sound systems and energy-efficient LED lighting, HD electronic video boards, replacement of over 54,000 seats and installation of an all-weather new artificial turf surface which achieved FIFA 2-Star certification, the highest rating possible.
The new roof has breathed new life into iconic BC Place, allowing it to continue to attract a diversified range of sporting activities and community events to Vancouver.
Project Team
Owner: B.C. Pavilion Corporation
Architect: Stantec Consulting Ltd.
Structural Engineer: Geiger Engineers
Project Manager / General Contractor: PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc.
Fabricator: Canam Group Inc. (Roof Replacement), Canron Western Constructors LP(Seismic Dampers, Gates, Canopie)
Detailer: Canam Group Inc. (Roof Replacement), Canron Western Constructors LP(Seismic Dampers, Gates, Canopie)
Erector: Canam Group Inc. (Roof Replacement), Canron Western Constructors LP(Seismic Dampers, Gates, Canopie)
