VANOC welcomes BC Place Stadium plans: Upgrades for 2010 and retractable roof post-Games for premiere Olympic venue

Vancouver, BC — The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) welcomed today the Province of British Columbia’s decision to upgrade BC Place Stadium facilities before the 2010 Winter Games, and to move ahead with a retractable roof, in the facility’s life beyond the Games.

The announced pre-Games upgrades — including renovations to suites, seating, washrooms and concession stands, and the enhancement of the existing roof liner — will ensure the facility is in top form in time for the 2010 Winter Games. VANOC’s financial contribution towards the stadium upgrades will be used in large part to upgrade access for people with disabilities. The new retractable roof, to be constructed after the Games have concluded, will ensure BC Place remains a premium venue long after the Games are over.

“BC Place Stadium has always been the perfect stage for spectacular ceremonies in 2010, offering the opportunity to stage special effects and spectator comfort unique to these Winter Games. The upgrades announced today will help ensure a great spectator experience," said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. He also commended BC Premier Gordon Campbell and PavCo (BC Pavilion Corporation) for plans to complete a retractable roof at BC Place after the 2010 Winter Games. “We support the decision to complete the new roof after the Games, and are very familiar with the savings that can be found when construction is undertaken under the right timing.” Continued Furlong, “Outside of the sport venues, BC Place Stadium is where many of the most spectacular and inspiring moments of the 2010 Winter Games will happen. Memories will be made there and BC Place Stadium will permanently gain a special stature as a premiere Games venue. With the global exposure afforded by the 2010 Winter Games, a new retractable roof, post-2010, and as home to the Vancouver Whitecaps and the BC Lions, BC Place Stadium will clearly attract world-class professional sport and celebration events for years to come.”

The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony will take place in the 60,000-seat BC Place Stadium on February 12, 2010. The Closing Ceremony, to take place on February 28, 2010, will also be held at BC Place Stadium. During the Games period, Nightly Victory Ceremonies will also be held there. This will be the first time in Olympic Games history that the Olympic Ceremonies will be staged in the comfort of an indoor venue. The Paralympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony will be held at BC Place Stadium, on March 12, 2010.

In addition to the in-stadium spectators, an estimated three billion television viewers are expected to watch the Opening Ceremony on February 12.

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com

VANOC Communications
mediarelations@vancouver2010.com