Big events are back in Vancouver, but it will not be the same as before

It was the first big event in Vancouver in more than a year, as fans flocked to B.C. Place Stadium to catch the Lions home opener. There was also an option for anyone to get vaccines at Terry Fox Plaza before the game.

By Claire Fenton and Tim James

Posted August 19, 2021 12:08 pm.

Last Updated August 19, 2021 11:28 pm.

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Thousands of fans will descend on BC Place for the BC Lions football game Thursday in the first big event in Vancouver in more than a year.

But it won’t look like pre-COVID times.

B.C. remains in Stage 3 of its Restart Plan, which limits attendance at sporting events. The province is expected to move to Stage 4 on Sept. 7, which is expected to lift the restrictions on big events like sports and concerts.

But until then, there will be many signs that the province remains in the fourth wave of the pandemic.

Fans will likely notice plenty of empty seats at BC Place. Only half of the lower deck is available to reduce capacity to meet the public health guidance, which only allows for 50 per cent capacity at the stadium.

Masks are recommended but not mandatory, which aligns with the current health orders.

“It’s going to be ticket-less, mobile tickets, they are on your telephone, just like a boarding pass on an airline,” BC Lions President Rick LeLacheur said about the new rules.

There are also security changes. BC Place has implemented a clear bag policy which he says will speed things up.

Related Articles:

Due to COVID-19 safety concerns, staff will be on the concourse trying to spread out the crowd.

“[Vancouver] Coastal Health and provincial health asked us to try and move people along. Using the washroom is okay and going to get concessions but once you do that go to your seats and not congregate on the concourse,” he said.

It’s expected to be a similar scene on Saturday, when the Vancouver Whitecaps host their first home game.

Fans are not required to be vaccinated to attend the games at BC Place. That differs from the set of rules in Winnipeg, where public health orders require fans to present their immunization card before attending a Blue Bombers game.

“From our protocols we are following exactly what Dr. Henry have requested us to do under all the protocols. We are going to ensure we follow those protocols because we want to ensure our fans are absolutely safe,” LeLacheur said about the rules in place.

The game comes as B.C. continues to see high numbers of COVID-19 cases, linked to the highly infectious Delta variant.

Vaccine clinic set up: 

Fans will also be able to get their shot before the game if they haven’t yet been fully immunized.

Vancouver Coastal Health will be on-site at Terry Fox Plaza with a drop-in COVID-19 vaccination clinic starting at 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Watch Related:

Busy Transit

The smaller crowd at BC Place is expected to help keep transit disruptions to a minimum, according to the Transit Police Chief.

Chief Dave Jones says this will give officers a chance to adjust, who likely haven’t dealt with fans for some time.

“It will give us time to reramp up and put back into place the practices and protocols that we had prior to COVID occurring,” Jones said.

He adds that the vast majority of the officers have been double vaccinated, and they are not mandated to wear a mask.

A return to business

The Vancouver business sector is looking forward to the return of live sports in the city and expects it will lead to an economic boost.

“It’s really exciting for downtown businesses. Having sports in downtown and at BC Place is an important part of the ecosystem for downtown,” said Nolan Marshall III, president and CEO of the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association.

Submit a Correction
Accessibility Feedback

Top Stories

Multi-vehicle crash on Port Mann Bridge leads to long delays

A crash on the Port Mann Bridge is creating major delays for westbound commuters Thursday.

1h ago

U.S. booze ban would lead to lost B.C. tax dollars, says industry insider

As Premier David Eby threatens a ban on American alcohol in retaliation to proposed U.S. tariffs, one liquor industry insider is warning British Columbia could lose a lot of tax dollars.

1h ago

Some B.C. cancer patients struggle to access needed medication

It wasn't just getting older, or running too much. Harbridge was diagnosed with multiple myeloma -- a type of blood cancer that develops in the bone marrow.

30m ago

Vancouver forum to tackle addiction, mental health, public safety concerns

In a bid to face a number of problems head-on, politicians, police, doctors, and Crown Counsel, among others, will be attending panel discussions on Thursday to try and find solutions to major social issues.

48m ago

Top Stories

Multi-vehicle crash on Port Mann Bridge leads to long delays

A crash on the Port Mann Bridge is creating major delays for westbound commuters Thursday.

1h ago

U.S. booze ban would lead to lost B.C. tax dollars, says industry insider

As Premier David Eby threatens a ban on American alcohol in retaliation to proposed U.S. tariffs, one liquor industry insider is warning British Columbia could lose a lot of tax dollars.

1h ago

Some B.C. cancer patients struggle to access needed medication

It wasn't just getting older, or running too much. Harbridge was diagnosed with multiple myeloma -- a type of blood cancer that develops in the bone marrow.

30m ago

Vancouver forum to tackle addiction, mental health, public safety concerns

In a bid to face a number of problems head-on, politicians, police, doctors, and Crown Counsel, among others, will be attending panel discussions on Thursday to try and find solutions to major social issues.

48m ago

Most Watched Today

1:44
B.C. considers pausing American alcohol sales as retaliation to Trump tariffs

B.C. Premier David Eby says not buying American booze would send a message to Trump’s tariff threats, but a local liquor store thinks otherwise. Cecilia Hua reports.

14h ago

2:11
City of Vancouver to hold byelections in April for 2 vacant seats

Vancouverites are headed to the polls in April to fill two vacant seats on city council. However, a group of people is urging Elections BC to investigate what they call "financial irregularities" by the ABC Party. Jack Morse has more.

19h ago

1:39
District of North Vancouver deletes account on X

The District of North Vancouver has deactivated its X account. Joe Sadowski explains.
2:11
B.C. threatens tariff retaliation

Premier David Eby says retaliatory tariffs, targeted tariffs, and specific embargos are not out of the question in B.C.’s response to the threat of U.S. tariffs. Monika Gul reports.
0:45
WATCH: Trumps' Inaugural Ball dance

U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump share a first dance at the Inaugural Ball in Washington.
More Videos