BC Place: Stadium Refurbishment | Completed

[raggedy13]

Having been one of the people sitting in a non-privileged section I'd say the stadium was looking pretty unfinished. It was a bit embarrassing telling my French and Chinese friends I was at the game with (one of which was from Beijing) that this was going to be the Olympic stadium. However, with that said I'm confident things will look much more finished and polished come the Olympics. The bathrooms were noticeably nicer. I was not one of the people taking pictures of it though. ;)

[Canadian Mind]

There is one possible former member... But we don't speak of him around here. :)

[Xrayal]

I found this image on someguys photobucket account
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee11/SDurro/1284116-King_Khalid_International_F.jpg
I dont know where this stadium is. My best guess is it's somewhere in the middle east. Anyways I just posted it because.
1. It kinda is similar to what the renderings we have for bc place (atleast the outside poles/canvas design).
2. I've never seem this stadium before. (as an example of what to expect)

[tovan]

Anybody going to the Lions game on Friday? Could you post some pics of the renos if possible? It'd be interesting to see how much work has been done since renovations began.

[Yume-sama]

I found this image on someguys photobucket account
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee11/SDurro/1284116-King_Khalid_International_F.jpg
I dont know where this stadium is. My best guess is it's somewhere in the middle east. Anyways I just posted it because.
1. It kinda is similar to what the renderings we have for bc place (atleast the outside poles/canvas design).
2. I've never seem this stadium before. (as an example of what to expect)

That is the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia :yes:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Fahd_International_Stadium

[mr.x]

I was at tonight's Lions game, got to check out the stadium for the first time a few years. The renovations are a huge improvement, although still underwhelming in my opinion. I can only assume a lot more renovations are coming with regards to the interior?


And what's with the red seats on the upper part of the lower bowl on the south side? Are those for the VIP's for the Olympics? Or are they planning to install new seats in time for 2010?

I noticed that there were A LOT more suites, it seems that alll of the white walls will be replaced with suites eventually. Construction is still an ongoing progress on those.

The washrooms were nice.

Are we still getting that ring board around the rim of the stadium?

[miniaturesnickers]

^^^

The red seats are club seating that is new this year.

I can only assume there's more coming; the target end date for the project is the fall. A friend of mine has been in the new suites and has said they're amazing, so I can only assume the rest of the concourse will eventually be consistent with them (not in terms of quality, of course, but, you don't want to feel like one section of the building your in is brand new while another section is 30 years old).

Perhaps the ring board was deemed to be too much of a logistical challenge to install in time for the start of the season? I recall they had very little time after it was put out to tender to actually complete the install.

[crazyjoeda]

Are there any photos of the renovations inside?

[mr.x]

A have a few photos, should've taken more though. I'll post them later.


The washrooms are bright and their entrances have really colourful green/blue tiling.

It's a shame they're not planning on a full seat replacement.

[miniaturesnickers]

Someone on the Lions board says that although the seats aren't new, they've actually been cleaned for the first time in eons, so... that's a step I guess.

I assume they need to remain plastic due to the retractable so replacing them is probably a waste of money, unless they wanted to decrease seating capacity by making them wider, etc.

[Yume-sama]

Someone on the Lions board says that although the seats aren't new, they've actually been cleaned for the first time in eons, so... that's a step I guess.

I assume they need to remain plastic due to the retractable so replacing them is probably a waste of money, unless they wanted to decrease seating capacity by making them wider, etc.

:haha: That would be funny.

"My, they replaced the black seats with red ones!!"

"Well... actually... we just cleaned them. You *don't* want to know what you were sitting on..."

[ravman]

well yeah.... i guess i should give my 2 cents here

the mens bathroom will have a higher output capacity than the female.... all the urinals and the center washbasin.....

they just put some tiles and paint and thats the reno

saw the samsung tvs.... they were sitting away from the public.... should go in soon i guess.... afterall they are in the bldg

lots of paint and paint... wanted to make the changes apparent, even though they have done squat...

um

also i will confirm that there was a "big hole" under the turf (they have temporarily filled it in now for football)....

any other questions?


oh yeah... all the seats are going to be replaced with the red ones.... that should occur soon

[mr.x]

^ we love you, ravman.


Sitting under the roof yesterday, i really wish we had that new roof in time for 2010.

The new red patted seats should improve sound quality by quite a bit. They look similar to the new red seats at the Coliseum.

[mr.x]

lol....i just realized, Samsung happens to be an Olympic sponsor. By any chance, those tv's are permanent and not sponsor tv's that will go away after the Games?
:p


I'd imagine the big tv screen in the dome will be removed and replaced with a high quality LED one lent by Samsung.

[mr.x]

PICTURES BY ME



Notice the fan replacements at the rim of the stadium.



O Canada
http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/9388/bcplace001.jpg
http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/7942/bcplace002.jpg




http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/5502/bcplace004.jpg
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/3916/bcplace005.jpg
http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/1949/bcplace006.jpg
http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/9121/bcplace011.jpg
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/9205/bcplace012.jpg
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/2148/bcplace014.jpg
http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/9162/bcplace015.jpg



For some reason, the south side of the stadium was a lot fuller than the north stands. I'd wager that there were 25,000-30,000 people last night.
http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/7486/bcplace016.jpg
http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/8903/bcplace017.jpg
http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/8256/bcplace018.jpg
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/4483/bcplace019.jpg
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/7821/bcplace020.jpg
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/5802/bcplace021.jpg



http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/530/bcplace022.jpg
http://img382.imageshack.us/img382/3629/bcplace023.jpg
http://img382.imageshack.us/img382/3743/bcplace024.jpg
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/3125/bcplace025.jpg
http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/4876/bcplace026.jpg
http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/7603/bcplace028.jpg
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/2824/bcplace029.jpg

[miniaturesnickers]

lol....i just realized, Samsung happens to be an Olympic sponsor. By any chance, those tv's are permanent and not sponsor tv's that will go away after the Games?
:p


I'd imagine the big tv screen in the dome will be removed and replaced with a high quality LED one lent by Samsung.

Panasonic is the television sponsor/provider for the Olympics, Samsung is cellphones (with Bell providing the service, of course :P). That said, I imagine going with Samsung VS Sony means that there won't be as big a non-sponsor clean-up job pre-Games.

[Prometheus]

For some reason, the south side of the stadium was a lot fuller than the north stands. I'd wager that there were 25,000-30,000 people last night.

I believe they seat people that way for purposes of television optics. The TV cameras are situated on the sparsely seated side of the stadium and point toward the more densely seated side. Thus, the stadium appears more full to television viewers.

I watched the game on TV, and I only saw the densely crowded side.

[officedweller]

Thanks.
With the new fans, guess there won't be a problem with snowmelting during the Games - also guess that the inner liner (which creates the conduit for the snowmelt air) won't be removed (for a cleaner look) for the Games.

[miniaturesnickers]

Signage around the exterior of the stadium gives a Novermber 2009 completion date for phase 1, so there's still a ways to go yet.

[mr.x]

woohoo! I'm now officially a Ceremonies Volunteer for the XXI Olympic Winter Games in 2010 at Vancouver, BC!

[ckkelley]

woohoo! I'm now officially a Ceremonies Volunteer for the XXI Olympic Winter Games in 2010 at Vancouver, BC!

Right on, congrats!

[Kodii]

^Congratz! Good to see one of us is ALLOWED to do something.

I will find out at the end of the month whether I get to be a torchbearer. Exciting times!

[djun]

Congrats, I hope to work with you soon this fall in Ceremonies!

[mr.x]

^ nice to see another ceremonies volunteer here!



^Congratz! Good to see one of us is ALLOWED to do something.

I will find out at the end of the month whether I get to be a torchbearer. Exciting times!

Ohhhh...wow. If you get it, you should definitely buy the torch.

[mr.x]

Wraparound video screen proposed for London stadium

The main stadium at the London Olympics may be wrapped in a kilometre-long video screen in an attempt to create a defining visual image to rival Beijing's architecturally startling Bird's Nest arena.

London 2012 officials will return from China next week to begin detailed consideration of the "look of London", which has so far been defined by a graffiti-style logo which drew as much criticism as praise.

Now, after the Bird's Nest became the identifying image of the 2008 games, attention will shift to how London's centrepiece stadium will appear on billions of television sets around the world.

The stadium's architect, Rod Sheard, is advocating a kilometre-long screen that would establish the London games as the first digital Olympics. Everything from images of main events to Olympic-inspired art could be projected on to the screen and Olympic officials confirmed the idea was to be developed in the coming year.

"Sydney took the opening and closing ceremony into the air with cables, Beijing has demonstrated what is currently possible using lighting and visual imagery," said Sheard, who designed the Sydney Olympic stadium and Wembley. "The London Olympic stadium will be the beginning of digital technology. We see the stadium as the ultimate communication device."

He said records, replays, previews and live events could be projected to create a kind of "Henman Hill of the Olympics".

The London mayor, Boris Johnson, who arrived at the games on Thursday and will take the Olympic flag at Sunday's closing ceremony, has admitted to being "dazzled" by the Beijing games, but has promised "fantastic ingenuity" to match the Chinese staging. Beijing's Birds Nest stadium and bubble-wrapped water cube swimming pool have been widely acclaimed as among the most startling Olympic architecture ever, but cost more than twice the London budget of £9.3bn.

Lord Coe, who is leading preparations for the London games, said this week: "It is unlikely we will see a games of this scale and stature again. It is unlikely this will be the format for the future. It won't be in London."

But the president of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge, warned yesterday that London 2012 would have to live up to Beijing's standards. "London has and will have to deliver as well as China in the welfare of the athletes," he told the BBC. "I mean the quality of the Olympic Village, the quality of the transportation from the Village to the venues, the operation of the venues. This has to be as good because the games are for the athletes. The games are not for London, the games are not for Great Britain, the games are not for the IOC."

Sheard's idea will face intense scrutiny from cost controllers committed to keeping the stadium to its £496m budget.

A digital screen is likely to cost far more than the original idea for a 30-metre-high fabric wrap to conceal scaffolding supporting 55,000 temporary seats in the 80,000-seat venue. Sources at the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) said detailed calculations had yet to be made of what could be achieved within the budget.

Early designs showed the wrap made from a recycled polymer or even hemp and decorated with still images of Olympic athletes made up of pixelated graphics to echo London 2012's graffiti-style logo.

The wrap is essential to animate an otherwise rudimentary stadium that architect Will Alsop described as "disappointing" when it was unveiled. He was among many who complained that the design, dubbed by some the "vol-au-vent", was an anticlimax after plans were ditched that imagined the stadium's exterior like petals of a flower.

Olympic officials said yesterday that an artist or artists could be commissioned to produce ideas for the screen, which will also protect spectators and competitors from cross-winds.

"The idea of using digital technology on the wrap of the stadium is an option that is being discussed," a source at the ODA said. "It is early days. As we look more closely at the creative treatment of this element in 2009 and 2010 we would assess the need for the creative skills of an artist and that would have to fit in with the overall look of the games."

The design of the stadium will be instrumental in creating a visual identity as it is likely to feature in the backdrop to broadcasts seen on TV around the world.

Olympic officials hope other venues, including the velodrome, by Sir Michael Hopkins, and the £303m aquatics centre, designed by Zaha Hadid, will capture the imagination, as well as the distinctly London backdrops to events such as beach volleyball at Horse Guards Parade and archery at Lord's cricket ground.

[Volksboi]

I got a job with Jet Set Sports! I will get to go to the opening and closing ceremony and all the premium events as I will be hosting Corperate CEOs, Celebs, and Politicians....So excited!

[Yume-sama]

I'm really hoping to go to London 2012, but I can see a lot of these really neat ideas NOT happening. They're spending BILLIONS in London.

[ravman]

2 things: LG tv are being installed on the concourse above stands

and contrary to what has been said, seats will NOT be getting replaced...

[mr.x]

^ seats not getting replaced??? That's quite dissapointing. I'm quite sure patted seats would improve the acoustics of the stadium's current dome mode, and when the retractable roof is installed.

[WarrenC12]

^ seats not getting replaced??? That's quite dissapointing. I'm quite sure patted seats would improve the acoustics of the stadium's current dome mode, and when the retractable roof is installed.

Careful, ravman will blame that on the Liberals... :cheers:

[hollywoodnorth]

Careful, ravman will blame that on the Liberals... :cheers:

the rain this weekend.......... LIBERALS!

my toast burning this morning......not just the LIBERALS....but GORDO in fact himself made the toast burn. I know this for a FACT! Carole told me so!

war in Afghanistan..........LIBERALS!

war in Iraq.............GORDO HIMSELF

:cheers:

I will be going to the AC/DC and Aerosmith/ZZTop shows so I will snap a few pics with my 3GS for everyone :)

unless Gordo and the Liberals force a cancellation of the shows!! ;)

[djun]

I thought the Aerosmith concert has been postphoned?

[nova9]

I thought the Aerosmith concert has been postphoned?

Yeah, due to Steven Tyler's fall last week.

[mr.x]

According to the latest NDP party position on BC Place, they would be against any sort of major upgrade for BC Place. :D

Oh wait, nope, I believe Carole James is now saying we should continue the upgrades for the stadium.

Actually no, she has changed her mind once again.

[ravman]

so nowhere in my last post did i mention anything POLITICAL, so i dunno what is going on now....


Mods::shrug:

[mr.x]

We apologize.


Politics post count

Ravman: 400+
Others: 10

[Canadian Mind]

Your signature is political. Just roll with the punches dude, you're outnumbered.


Personally I think it is a shame that the seats aren't being replaced. I wouldn't be able to sit on the hard plastic things for over 3 hours watching the ceremonies. Maybe a part of revenues will come from novelty olympic ass-pads.

[mr.x]

New Dome roof plans hit a snag

By BOB MACKIN, 24 HOURS

Negotiations with companies hoping to build the new retractable roof at B.C. Place Stadium are taking longer than expected.

But B.C. Pavilion Corporation CEO Warren Buckley said roof tendering has been delayed to September, but it won't impact the post-Olympic part of the $365 million project.

"The prices that were tendered were good for so many days and we asked them to extend it for 30 days as we continued to negotiate," Buckley said. "The construction schedule is still in place."

He said the process has been complicated by more than 40 bids submitted. Some companies are joint ventures offering a package of steel, cabling and fabric.

Meanwhile, Buckley said negotiations are underway with a preferred bidder for a long-term lease to develop land to the west of the stadium. Buckley said the offer was good but "reflective of a down market." He declined to name the company or discuss the offer.

"If you take it over time, it's certainly more than acceptable," he said.

[SFUVancouver]

Another snag is the big question mark left by the glacial progress of the Vancouver Art Gallery as it weighs whether or not to move. If it decides to relocate to False Creek, which I think would be a mistake, the Edgewater Casino will need to find a new home, likely in one or all of the beefy commercial podiums that are proposed along Smithe Street adjacent to BC Place. If the VAG does not move to False Creek and the casino stays put then PAVCO will need to rustle up a few anchor tenants pretty quick in order to move forward with planning their large chunk of area's 1M square feet of commercial development. Lastly, if the VAG does not move but the casino does the City will want some form of public attraction on that site and that uncertainty is no doubt unwelcome to PAVCO.

None the less, it is encouraging that so many bidders are involved.

[Canadian Mind]

I hope by "reflective of a downward market" doesn't mean they aren't maximising all available density granted or that could be granted to them in the space beside the stadium. On the penninsula that would be a crime.

[mr.x]

Canadian Football League notebook


Canwest News Service
July 23, 2009


Braley excited about new-look stadium

Refurbish it and they will come, predicts B.C. Lions owner David Braley.

BC Place Stadium has become the House of Orange, but it's not just because Braley's football team calls it home. Workers in orange hard hats and safety vests outnumber the players and coaches, readying the building for the new look Braley expects will turn into a second honeymoon with Vancouver sports fans.

The first occurred when the stadium opened in June 1983 and continued for the next four seasons, when the Lions averaged between 42,000 and 46,000 fans a game. They didn't reached the 40,000 plateau again until 1991, when Doug Flutie was the team's quarterback.

Braley expects a similar bounce when the Lions enter a plusher BC Place in 2011, complete with a spiffy top hat - a retractable roof that will allow games such as Friday night's tilt between the Lions and Calgary Stampeders to be played in the sun and open air.

``I believe there'll be a very significant (attendance) bounce,'' said Braley, who watched the Lions work out Thursday before inspecting construction progress. ``I believe we'll go from 32,000, 35,000 to 45,000-plus.''

New washrooms, suites, club seats, concessions and more decorous decor will be in evidence for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Braley said the new roof will arrive sometime after the 2010 CFL season.

[mr.x]

yL04z5S0V20

[entheosfog]

A little comparison shot of grime vs. no grime:
http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/9596/img1619c.jpg

[Yume-sama]

Wow, no grime is nice :)

They should scrub more often!

[Vancity]

are there any updates on the stadium? I take it, the internal aspects of the stadium are a complete mess, eh?

it'd be nice to have some pictures of progress.

[mr.x]

^ i'm pretty sure the roof's ceiling inside will be spotless (bleach white looking) come 2010.

[Vancity]

BC Places' roof as it stands now looks "puffy", but I'm curious, when the new roof comes - is it going to look "Puffy" still, just with an opening, or is it going to look a lot like this stadium

Commerzbank Arena (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Commerzbank-Arena_viewed_from_Maintower.JPG)

[johnjimbc]

Just scrub the whole thing - please! I was noticing yesterday while walking by that the parts near the top (the whole top rim) looked decent. If all the concrete looked like that, it would really be impressive. The grime and staining just makes it look ragged.

And clean the glass already. Twenty years of droppings and dirt really have taken their toll. I honestly think the whole building could look incredible if it were cleaned, and I've just got to believe they'll do that before millions and millions of people see it on camera beamed around the world in February.

I am not so sure they'll scrub the whole roof, though I'd like that. But if the structure was done, the dome would look fine, even as is

I keep hoping the external facade will be thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned before the Games - and on at least a semi-regular schedule afterwards. It makes me wonder if the structure has ever been cleaned since it was first built.

[ravman]

inside its a mess and will remain a mess until November.

the roof on the inside is still greyish aka dirty

[Canadian Mind]

Pics Ravman?

[Yume-sama]

From Harbour Centre today, the difference is remarkable! Look at the dirty, and then the clean! You can see it better at the link below.

With clean windows and roof, the stadium will look better than new. It's kind of disgusting they let it get so bad.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2566/3835600927_504a0d0a11_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/syume/3835600927/sizes/o/

[mrjauk]

BC Places' roof as it stands now looks "puffy", but I'm curious, when the new roof comes - is it going to look "Puffy" still, just with an opening, or is it going to look a lot like this stadium

Commerzbank Arena (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Commerzbank-Arena_viewed_from_Maintower.JPG)

Here's the answer to your question:
http://www.whitecapsfc.com/stadium/bcplace/renderings/

[raggedy13]

The cleaning makes a huge difference for sure. Thanks for the pic, Yume-sama.

[mr.x]

wow, it looks almost new. So, I'm guessing we'll have to wait another 2 decades for its next cleaning. :D

[Vancity]

wow, it looks almost new. So, I'm guessing we'll have to wait another 2 decades for its next cleaning. :D

Ugh. I hope not. I hope they do maintain BC Place better. It's unfortunate, that we need the Olympics before even thinking about cleaning the stadium. Maintain it! I'm excited to see the internal upgrades, and changes to the stadium. It's about time BC Place is renovated. Haha..maybe we'll lure some MLB pre-season games (Jays and Mariners?) up here. That'll be nice.

[Vancity]

Here's the answer to your question:
http://www.whitecapsfc.com/stadium/bcplace/renderings/

Thanks for the pictures, but it doesn't really answer my question, I guess? From the looks of the renderings, it looks like BC Place's roof is going to be flat, like Commerzbank Arena. I'll miss the "puffy" marshallow like shape of the roof. Added a different dimension to the skyline.

[Vancity]

From Harbour Centre today, the difference is remarkable! Look at the dirty, and then the clean! You can see it better at the link below.

With clean windows and roof, the stadium will look better than new. It's kind of disgusting they let it get so bad.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2566/3835600927_504a0d0a11_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/syume/3835600927/sizes/o/

That does look nice. Wish they would clean the building more often O.o

Amazing how much development has happened around the area, isn't it?

Are the glass panels going to be replaced, or simply washed?

[mrjauk]

But I thought that the revenue was going to come from PAVCO, which would earn it by developing land around the stadium. In other words, this money was never meant to come from the general budget. Am i wrong?

[mr.x]

^ land developments around the stadium wouldn't be able to pay for the entire $360-million bill, only about $100-million. The rest would have been a government subsidy.

I believe they were also hoping to get a naming rights sponsorship deal for $100-million over 20 years, that probably fell apart after the recession.

[mrjauk]

^ land developments around the stadium wouldn't be able to pay for the entire $360-million bill, only about $100-million. The rest would have been a government subsidy.

I believe they were also hoping to get a naming rights sponsorship deal for $100-million over 20 years, that probably fell apart after the recession.

Thanks for the clarification.

[fever]

The roof replacement is a lot of cost for not a lot of benefit. I would prefer a smaller stadium like the one Toronto FC plays in, and the budget deficit is a good reason to reconsider.

[mrjauk]

The roof replacement is a lot of cost for not a lot of benefit. I would prefer a smaller stadium like the one Toronto FC plays in, and the budget deficit is a good reason to reconsider.

Well, the roof has to be replaced as it's nearing the end of its shelf-life. What it's replaced with is another matter altogether.

I agree that I'd prefer to see a stadium built for the Whitecaps that has seating for 25-30K spectators, that is open to the elements and has natural grass as its playing surface. Greg Kerfoot is willing to foot the bill himself. Maybe the recession will help this come to fruition.

[ravman]

The announcement of the cancellation of the Retractable will be made on the Friday before the Labour Day long weekend.

The Government cannot justify this cost against a $ 3 billion deficit and spend that amount of money on a Roof when they're slashing social programs and cutting an equal amount of money from hospitals and seniors care.

They fired the asses of Tourism BC's Board of Directors.

Pavilion Corporation is next.

Friday Sept 4 is D Day. Mark my word

I could see that happening.... you never know what the govt is going to do.... but the LG tv were operational at yesterdays game... some need fixing but all is good

3/4th floor is still being worked heavily.... my bet is that most of the major work and stuff cleared out for U2 and then touch ups for the few weeks after that untill VANOC takesover...

still dunno about seat replacements..... any other questions?

[Yume-sama]

One of the Lions players lives in my building and was chatting up some girl in the elevator going on about how he's a "pro" football player (if you can call the CFL pro).

Bet he wishes he fell down that pit lastnight~

[go_leafs_go02]

yet they waste money on repaving Highway #1 between abbotsford and chilliwack when the pavement conditions are perfectly fine.

Side-issue, but honestly, you complain about a deficit. Think where money should go compared to this!

anyways, better this being shelved compared to the Evergreen Line & the SFPR (Gateway) program..

[Yume-sama]

Haven't we already discovered Obama isn't coming?

And thank God, they'd probably find a way to lock the entire city down and have just him inside BC Place with an applause track and recorded crowd video :P

[Yume-sama]

...or maybe now he has learned to tell realistic lies, lol.

:yes: He really is a BC Lion, but I thought pro was a stretch, considering they don't actually make any more money than a 7 Eleven manager. :sly:

I'd be more impressed if I found out a Canuck was here. :D

[mr.x]

Haven't we already discovered Obama isn't coming?

And thank God, they'd probably find a way to lock the entire city down and have just him inside BC Place with an applause track and recorded crowd video :P

lol, well the USOC that has to invite him. The National Olympic Committee of each nation has to invite their own head of state to a foreign/domestic Games, VANOC nor any government is not permitted to do it.

If Chicago wins 2016 in a few weeks, I think there's a slight possibility of Obama showing up.

[Yume-sama]

Hmph, it better be Tokyo 2016.

I don't see how Chicago could economically pull it off, though the IOC might feel sorry for America.

[fever]

Is there any chance we'll get to throw a steak or two on the giant Olympic bbq pit?

[mr.x]

^ okay, with that post you've just confirmed to all of us that you made up the whole stadium canceling thing. Facts do not equate to opinions nor do they equate to assumptions nor do they equate to theories. Facts are from news releases, press conferences, etc. and to even stretch it people in the inside (and you certainly have zero reliability to know someone who is in the know, most people would probably want their distance from you since you are clearly insane).

There's fact, there's opinion, and then there's fiction. Learn how to differentiate these things, they aren't the same! It's scary how your brain works.


What international media outlet has talked about our new roof? You're the only one who really gives a bloody deal about it!!!

[mr.x]

I think you should look in the mirror when it comes to dishonesty.



Where are the mods? This guy shouldn't even be here.

[GeeCee]

Ah, I should have guessed.. I've certainly seen your "exchanges" with him over at GamesBid in the past. :koko:

[mr.x]

Mr. X had mentioned he was terminally ill

Seems like that's the only thing you can say when you're cornered, and rather low of you to be even using that here as a smokescreen. I had health issues last summer, but hey if you're gonna use it to your own advantage...you're pathologically sick.

[Hourglass]

Because the Government is being dishonest. They keep saying they will build a Retractable Roof after the Olympics so the international media will talk about it.

But behind closed doors, the plan is to tear down BC Place Stadium after the Olympics.

They just don't want the international media to get wind of this.

Look at Campbell's track record of being honest with the people.

Look no further than the HST. No mention of this before the election, now the HST tax gets shoved down our throats.

Lies lies lies and more lies.

Then they scrap Tourism BC and fire the Board of Directors when the Government has been promising to double tourism by 2015.

More lies.

Why do you figure the Government is so believable about its intentions with BC Place?

It doesn't cost the Government any money to take in bids. It costs the construction companies money to put together bids, but the Government doesn't give a rat's ass about that.

As long as they say the right things to the international media.

Requesting bids doesn't mean they'll go forward with it.

There's no money for a Retractable roof. Live with it.

The land around BC Place is losing value. Not much money coming from that direction.

They can't get a big name sponsor for the Stadium with the lousy BC Lions playing in there. No money from that.

The Dupont rumour is bull ****

Wow. Just. Wow.

When the NDP was in power in the 90s, they claimed in the heat of an election that they would have a budget surplus -- only for this 'surplus' to evaporate into a deficit when they were re-elected.

Meantime, most economists I have read actually believe the HST will be good for the province in the long run.

All governments "lie." Live with it. It's called "politics." So you have to decide whether the "lies" are worth turfing out this government at the next election and whether the "lies told by an NDP government will be better for BC (given the previous track record I'm doubtful).

What's with your obsession over the stadium? Is it a Freudian thing that I can't see...?

I believe it would be difficult to pull the plug on the roof at this stage. It would cause a lot of complications up and down the food chain.

[Canadian Mind]

you deserve that treatment if you come on here and accuse me of being pathologically sick and of being someone I'm not

Then who else would you be to know the going-ons of this forum over a year ago? No way in hell you've read up everything there is to know about Mr. X over the past 6 hours. :rolleyes:

[mr.x]

you deserve that treatment if you come on here and accuse me of being pathologically sick and of being someone I'm not

So you think people wouldn't even know that's you, towerguy? Most people here can spot you from just one post, it's quite astonishing that you'd even try to hide that...give it up. With every post and comeback you make, it's like another shovel in the dirt...you keep digging yourself a deeper hole. You have zero credibility.

I'm also not sure why you keep on coming back here every few months, only to be banned hours later.

You're the guy that seems to love the idea of the roof of BC Place caving in.

And as for using my previous illness as a smokescreen, that's just sick.

[ravman]

Wow. Just. Wow.

When the NDP was in power in the 90s, they claimed in the heat of an election that they would have a budget surplus -- only for this 'surplus' to evaporate into a deficit when they were re-elected.

Meantime, most economists I have read actually believe the HST will be good for the province in the long run.

All governments "lie." Live with it. It's called "politics." So you have to decide whether the "lies" are worth turfing out this government at the next election and whether the "lies told by an NDP government will be better for BC (given the previous track record I'm doubtful).

What's with your obsession over the stadium? Is it a Freudian thing that I can't see...?

I believe it would be difficult to pull the plug on the roof at this stage. It would cause a lot of complications up and down the food chain.

If u look at the facts, the NDP have had more budget surpluses than the BC Liberals have/will... the economic growth rate was higher.... etc.... if u want to talk... politics section


but to answer ur point about pulling the plug.... no its not hard..... phase 2 (ie the roof) isnt scheduled to begin until after the Olympics......

[Yume-sama]

:whip: If we don't get a roof I'll be mad. I wanted to watch it from my balcony. :(

[jlousa]

User has been banned and posts deleted, the next person that quotes him from another forums will receive a suspension for baiting him back. I'm not kidding.

[raggedy13]

Last three political posts have been moved to the BC Politics thread. If you want to continue with that discussion you can do it in there. :yes:

[g35]

Ravman mentioned something about the LG TVs? I couldn't find mention of this in the rest of this thread. Is this referring to the flat panels that are above the concessions?

[ravman]

Ravman mentioned something about the LG TVs? I couldn't find mention of this in the rest of this thread. Is this referring to the flat panels that are above the concessions?

yeah... they are up at every stand operational and all

i think that the samsung Flatscreen tvs are for the private booths on level 3 but i cannot confirm this

[Stingray2004]

Global BC Newhour tonight is reporting that the new stadium roof might not even proceed... or might be delayed. I suspect that it's the latter due to the current provincial fiscal environment (even though it's to be constructed by a crown corp.)

Hopefully, this decision will not impact upon the awarding of the new MSL franchise to the Whitecaps.

[mr.x]

I don't think it will be canceled, perhaps delayed, with the roof aging and 3 years past its 23-year factory lifespan. They'll have to replace the roof eventually.






New B.C. Place roof could be delayed


By Ian Austin and Katie Mercer, The Province
August 25, 2009 7:08 PM



B.C.’s budget-deficit problems may delay one of the province’s most high-profile projects — the re-roofing of B.C. Place Stadium.

The Teflon roof of the Vancouver landmark — home of the B.C. Lions and supposedly down the line the new, transformed, high-tech home of the spanking-new Vancouver Whitecaps Major League Soccer franchise — famously ripped and collapsed in January 2007.

The B.C. Liberals promised a retractable roof as part of a $365-million upgrade — an upgrade that Tourism Minister Kevin Krueger admitted Tuesday is behind schedule.

“I think it will have been delayed because they had to analyze those bids,” Krueger told Global News. “Not substantially delayed. The bidders have agreed to hold their bids in place.”

The promise of an open-air stadium played a strong part in the Vancouver Whitecaps’ bid to land a new franchise in Major League Soccer, the premier league in North America.

Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi told The Province that he’s still hoping for the best.

“We’ve spoken with our contacts and no one has suggested anything other than what was suggested on the outset and that’s we would have a roof come 2011,” said Lenarduzzi.

B.C. Place — with its aging Teflon roof — will host the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2010 Winter Olympics.







B.C. Place roof replacement may be cancelled: report


By Canwest News Service, Global BC
August 25, 2009 10:12 PM

VANCOUVER — The provincial government’s plan to fund a $365-million roof for BC Place Stadium has stalled and may even be cancelled, Global BC is reporting.

Construction on the downtown Vancouver stadium was expected to start soon after it serves as host for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics, and was part of a larger overhaul of the facility that was expected to be finished by the summer of 2011.

But a source told Global News on Tuesday that the roof replacement may no longer be a key government priority and it may be forced to pull its funding in the current economic climate. It means the project could face some serious delays or be cancelled altogether, the report said.

The provincial government unveiled plans in May 2008 to replace the fabric cover on the 26-year-old BC Place Stadium with a retractable roof.

Officials began looking at replacing the air-supported roof after a January 2007 storm caused it to collapse like an imploding souffle into the 60,000-seat facility, flooding the field and damaging seats and luxury boxes. It took crews about two weeks to re-inflate the fabric.

“We could do it at a time post-2010 when we think that the budgets will be better,” Premier Gordon Campbell said in May 2008. "We wanted, actually, to take the time to both do it right, to get the best value, have the most competitive bidding process.”

On Tuesday, while the B.C. government wasn’t willing to go as far to say the project is dead, it did concede that there are issues surrounding the bidding process.

“I think (the project) will have been delayed because . . . the bidders have agreed to hold their bids in place longer than anticipated,” B.C. Tourism Minister Kevin Krueger told reporters in Victoria.

Delays to the upgrade could also jeopardize the city’s hope of landing a Major League Soccer franchise. The Vancouver Whitecaps was awarded the league’s second Canadian franchise in March based on a bid that included a refurbished stadium.

“That won’t be a great scenario for us,” Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi said of the possible delays or cancellations. “The fact that it was going to be an open-air stadium was something that was very appealing to the MLS.”

The world-class retractable roof, to be modelled on a design now used in Frankfurt, Germany, is part of an ambitious redevelopment scheme for BC Place and the north shore of False Creek. It was also scheduled undergo a major facelift, starting with renovated corporate suites and improved seating, disabled access, washrooms and concession stands.

The stadium is primarily used for the B.C. Lions football team, as well as for concerts and trade conventions. The football team was not willing to comment on the issue on Tuesday.

PavCo, the provincial Crown corporation that operates the stadium, also did not comment, only saying it is in the final stages of the bidding process.

Global BC

© Copyright © Canwest News Service






It's a shame the province didn't take advantage of its much healthier finances several years ago and didn't think of the renovations much earlier.

[Rusty Gull]

It's time for the feds, the province and the city to fast-track Greg Kerfoot's waterfront stadium.

[ravman]

I don't think it will be canceled, perhaps delayed, with the roof aging and 3 years past its 23-year factory lifespan. They'll have to replace the roof eventually.
It's a shame the province didn't take advantage of its much healthier finances several years ago and didn't think of the renovations much earlier.

i was going to post what i had seen on global last night, but figure i would wait till i found some evidence as i did not want to create an awkward situation.... but thanks for beating me :cheers:

i think they are going to replace the roof with a roof that is exactly the same.....

[Hed Kandi]

I may be alone here, but I'm quite glad the new roof is being shelved. I prefer the current BC Place roof with it's soft, rolling, cloud esque form. It complements both the city skyline and mountain scenery alike.

The proposal for the new roof concept was brash and unsightly. It was a half assed proposal with absolutely no aesthetic appeal, and I am happy to see it fail.

[mr.x]

i think they are going to replace the roof with a roof that is exactly the same.....

Wasn't that the original plan?

If that were to happen, and I hope not, then we made one huge detour with the retractable roof...we probably could have had a new teflon inflatable in time for the Games.

[Hed Kandi]

It's time for the feds, the province and the city to fast-track Greg Kerfoot's waterfront stadium.

I whole heartedly disagree. That land is premium waterfront space and should be taken into careful consideration and excessive planning so that it is utilized to its maximum potential.

If Greg Kerfoot wants to build a stadium, there is plenty of empty land along Prior St, near the Vancouver Amtrak station.

[Pinion]

It's time for the feds, the province and the city to fast-track Greg Kerfoot's waterfront stadium.

+ tear down BC Place and extend Robson street all the way to NE False Creek, so it's not completely dead.

[djh]

I whole heartedly disagree. That land is premium waterfront space and should be taken into careful consideration and excessive planning so that it is utilized to its maximum potential.

If Greg Kerfoot wants to build a stadium, there is plenty of empty land along Prior St, near the Vancouver Amtrak station.

Kerfoot's original proposal WAS for that neighbourhood, but the city turned that proposal down. So he then looked for another location, found the first waterfront location, and bought it. The city turned that down. So he looked around and found another waterfront location a few hundred metres away, and bought that too. That is the one the city and the Feds are allegedly still "looking at" - i.e., they've effectively turned that down too.

Now they need him they'll come begging him to do something. If he laughs in their face and moves his proposal to Surrey, I'd be sad but wouldn't blame him. The city likes to over-over-OVER-consider everything - not necessarily with incrementally better results - and in the meantime good busines opportunities slip away.

[LeftCoaster]

^How many times does it have to be explained that the city has approved this? The holdup is with the port, not the city... the city is fully behind the latest incarnation of the whitecaps stadium.

[DKaz]

The Whitecaps have responded that these rumours are completely untrue.

[djh]

^How many times does it have to be explained that the city has approved this? The holdup is with the port, not the city... the city is fully behind the latest incarnation of the whitecaps stadium.

My mistake, I said the city and the Feds were messing around. I just meant the Feds (i.e, the Port). The rest still stands.

[Vancity]

Global BC Newhour tonight is reporting that the new stadium roof might not even proceed... or might be delayed. I suspect that it's the latter due to the current provincial fiscal environment (even though it's to be constructed by a crown corp.)

Hopefully, this decision will not impact upon the awarding of the new MSL franchise to the Whitecaps.

I don't think it will affect the MLS bid. The bid's done with, the MLS has already awarded Vancouver a franchise for 2011, they can't take the decision back. It's already been done. So we're safe for a franchise for 2011 (at least, that is my understanding).

The news about BC Place potentially not getting the new roof is unfortunate. I'd be sad if it didn't go through. Hopefully, the new roof does go through. This is an embarassment to Vancouver's government O__o After making a huge announcement, but to announce that this huge project may not be going through. sigh...

[Vancity]

Kerfoot's original proposal WAS for that neighbourhood, but the city turned that proposal down. So he then looked for another location, found the first waterfront location, and bought it. The city turned that down. So he looked around and found another waterfront location a few hundred metres away, and bought that too. That is the one the city and the Feds are allegedly still "looking at" - i.e., they've effectively turned that down too.

Now they need him they'll come begging him to do something. If he laughs in their face and moves his proposal to Surrey, I'd be sad but wouldn't blame him. The city likes to over-over-OVER-consider everything - not necessarily with incrementally better results - and in the meantime good busines opportunities slip away.

I think Kerfoot would welcome that, gladly :]

[johnjimbc]

Heck, after seeing what even a small amount of cleaning and attention is revealing, I'd be content if they'd finish the renovations and power-washing (including the glass, which still has 20 years of bird-droppings caked upon it).

Then take the money they might have spent on changing the roof and instead promise to maintain the facility better - exterior, interior, some landscaping around it, and replace the current puffy roof with new panels once every few years - so it remains fresh and doesn't descend back to being an uninviting and tired concrete eyesore.

I have never thought the current facility in itself was bad. It just looked haggard and ragged. The cleaning they've started (and hopefully will finish) proves it could look great if someone made it a priority to ensure it remains in top form.

[Stingray2004]

Apparently 140 bids were placed upon 40 separate elements of the re-roof project and the government is currently reviewing those comprehensive bids.

Apparently the province still anticipates that the re-roof will be completed for the Whitecaps 2011 season.

So we'll see how that all pans out over the next week.

[Hed Kandi]

Heck, after seeing what even a small amount of cleaning and attention is revealing, I'd be content if they'd finish the renovations and power-washing (including the glass, which still has 20 years of bird-droppings caked upon it).

Then take the money they might have spent on changing the roof and instead promise to maintain the facility better - exterior, interior, some landscaping around it, and replace the current puffy roof with new panels once every few years - so it remains fresh and doesn't descend back to being an uninviting and tired concrete eyesore.

I have never thought the current facility in itself was bad. It just looked haggard and ragged. The cleaning they've started (and hopefully will finish) proves it could look great if someone made it a priority to ensure it remains in top form.


Well said.