Downtown Vancouver is gearing up to welcome throngs of tourists and soccer enthusiasts during the upcoming FIFA World Cup games next summer, with BC Place poised to take center stage as the epicenter of the action.
Local residents and businesses are being advised to brace for road closures and restrictions during the event.
A recent online information session hosted by the city’s FIFA World Cup 26 organizing committee shed light on what residents can anticipate during this bustling period.
Jessie Adcock, leading the committee, emphasized the unique nature of BC Place as a stadium located in an urban setting, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the tournament. She underscored the necessity of road closures to accommodate the stadium’s expansive footprint.
One of the highlights will be the fan festival area dubbed “the last mile,” offering an immersive experience for both locals and visitors.
Adcock assured that despite the necessary adjustments, businesses and residences in the vicinity will remain accessible throughout the event. Enhanced transit services by TransLink will also be available to facilitate travel to and from BC Place on match days.
During the tournament, a section of Pacific Boulevard will be closed between Cambie Street and Carrall Street, with additional restrictions in place for non-local traffic. On match days at BC Place, further closures and restrictions will be implemented to manage the influx of spectators.
Adcock outlined the unique entry points for spectators during the World Cup, emphasizing the transformation of Beatty Street into a temporary entrance and redirecting spectators to access the stadium via Pacific Boulevard.
The committee is finalizing plans for the “last mile” experience around the stadium and enhancing the overall aesthetic of the city to immerse visitors in the World Cup atmosphere.