BC Place to become ‘Christine Sinclair Place’ for soccer legend’s final international match

BC Place is set to pay tribute to Christine Sinclair when she takes to the pitch in Vancouver in December.

The stadium will be renamed to ‘Christine Sinclair Place’ and light up in red and white on Dec. 5 to honour the soccer legend, who will be playing her final international match representing Canada against Australia.

In addition, Sinclair’s number 12 will be illuminated on BC Place.

“The stadium will be officially known as ‘Christine Sinclair Place’ for one unforgettable evening, celebrating her extraordinary career as the world’s leading goal scorer as she plays her final match representing Canada Soccer Women’s National Team against Australia,” BC Place said in a statement Monday.

The Canadian soccer star from Burnaby announced in October that she was retiring from international football.

The Vancouver game is set to take place four days after the Canadian Women’s National Team will face the Matildas at Starlight Stadium in Langford.

The B.C. games, taking place in Sinclair’s backyard, mark her swan song. She plans to play one more season for the NWSL Portland Thorns.

“Christine Sinclair is not just a national hero; she’s a hometown hero,” said Chris May, general manager at BC Place.

“Growing up in Burnaby, her journey to international stardom resonates deeply with the local community. By renaming BC Place as ‘Christine Sinclair Place’ for her final match, we are also paying tribute to the profound impact she has had on her hometown and its aspiring athletes.”

Sinclair’s retirement from international play caps off a 23-year career. It comes just over two years after she led Canada to gold at the Olympics in Tokyo.

“The legacy of Christine’s career has and will live on beyond her tremendous accomplishments on the field. The renaming of BC Place for her final match is a fitting tribute given her west coast roots and the iconic moments at the venue where we have celebrated together as a nation,” said Charmaine Crooks, president of Canada Soccer.

In addition to renaming the stadium for one day, BC Place says there will be “several tributes” paid to the soccer star throughout the game — both on and off the field. That includes specialty foods based on Sinclair’s favourite eats.

A #12 specialty cocktail will also be available exclusively for one night.

-With files from The Canadian Press