Final preparations underway at BC Place ahead of FIFA World Cup

Vancouver is buzzing with excitement as final preparations are underway at BC Place for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Elevators have been installed, new grass has been laid, and massive gates have been erected to welcome fans from around the world. Don Hardman, the executive director of stadium and venue management for FIFA26 Canada, expressed the urgency of the situation, stating, "It’s like we’re moving into a brand-new house. We’ve still got some finishing touches to do, we’ve got some long days ahead of us this week to get ready for kick off this Saturday." This year’s tournament is particularly special as it features an expanded format with 48 teams competing across 16 cities in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. BC Place is set to host seven matches, starting with an exciting matchup between Australia and Turkey. The anticipation is palpable, and tickets for the Vancouver games have been selling rapidly. Hardman noted, "We're very close to being sold out across all seven match days here in Vancouver. The interest continues to grow, and we're very positive about where we're going to land." The B.C. government has estimated the cost of hosting the World Cup to be between $685 million and $729 million, which includes a significant $196-million upgrade of the stadium itself. During a recent media tour, journalists were given a glimpse of the extensive changes made to the 43-year-old stadium. FIFA branding is now prominently displayed throughout the venue, and new retail and VIP spaces have been created to enhance the fan experience. Unique World Cup-specific menu items have also been introduced, such as maple bacon smoky and short rib poutine, showcasing local flavors to the international audience. Hardman emphasized that the goal from the beginning was to maximize the existing facilities while ensuring that any improvements would leave a positive legacy for the stadiums involved. One notable upgrade is the installation of a temporary grass playing surface over the stadium's existing turf. This grass is being meticulously maintained with the help of UV lights, an irrigation system, and a vacuum ventilation system to ensure optimal playing conditions. Hardman stated, "One of our goals across this tournament, 16 cities, 16 climates, was to have as similar a playing surface as possible in all of the venues and we believe we’ve achieved that." Organizers are encouraging fans to arrive early on game days, with gates opening three hours before kickoff. Hardman estimates that around 80 percent of attendees will access the stadium via a pedestrian-friendly route filled with entertainment and retail options, making for a vibrant atmosphere leading up to the matches. Vancouver's downtown location is ideal for this, as many hotels are within walking distance, making it easy for fans to enjoy the festivities leading up to the games.