Canada is working hard to improve its base of modern facilities. As it’s claimed in reports in the media, the construction of the first modern football arena in the suburbs of Vancouver will soon begin. According to actual plans, it is expected to be completed later this year!

What kind of stadium will be built in Vancouver?

The first sports arenas built in ancient times were truly remarkable. Their monumental appearance was a result of the fact that technology in those days was not as advanced as it is now. Instead, there was a great need to create space for many thousands of spectators admiring the rivalry of the athletes in the Greek Olympia or the gladiators in the Roman Coliseum. Also gambling in ancient times had its origins. Spectators were watching what was happening in the arena and bet on their favourites, hoping for their victory. The principles of betting have not changed that much since then. What has changed is the technology of venue construction. In the 21st century, more and more stadiums are based on modular systems.

Not long ago, we reported that a modular stadium is being built in Toronto, which will form part of the training base for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We have just learned that a new intimate facility based on the same technology will also be built in the metropolitan area in the west of Canada. Its user is expected to be Vancouver FC, which will make its Canadian Premier League debut as early as May 7 2023. The arena will be located more than 40 kilometres from the centre of the metropolis. Such long distance may cause many fans to give up coming to the stadium.

®Google Maps

The stadium will stand in the Langley Events Centre located within Willoughby Community Park. Its capacity is expected to be 6,560 seats. The modular system on which the structure will be based is intended to allow for seamless and rapid expansion of the stands. It may be useful in the future as football in Vancouver is constantly growing. The first transport containers are already on site for the project being carried out. They contain the elements that will serve as the skeleton of the facility. The first concrete pours for the foundations have also already been made, and work on the water and electricity connections is underway.

Why is a new stadium being built in Vancouver?

The arena will have rich facilities in terms of size and the technology on which it will be based. Under the east stand will be the Cabana Club. Behind the sectors in the western part of the stadium will be lavish VIP catering facilities and a Tunnel Club-style venue. At the northern end of the venue, an area for the youngest visitors will be designated. The function of the Family Zone will be to play and relax. In addition, several entertainment areas and food truck zones will be set up around the arena to cater for regular fans on match days.

The SixFive Stadium Experience, which aims to improve football infrastructure in Canada by building fan-friendly professional modular venues across Canada, is responsible for the design of the modular stadium on the outskirts of Vancouver – as well as the facility in Toronto, which we have already mentioned. The design of the Langley arena is modeled on the Empire Field stadium, which is well known in that area. It existed for just one year in 2010-2011 and was the temporary home of the BC Lions and Vancouver Whitecaps FC while BC Place Stadium underwent renovations. It had a 27,500-seat capacity and its final cost was $14 million. At this point, we don't know if the arena being built for Vancouver FC will be the base for one of the teams participating in the 2026 World Cup. However, this scenario is not impossible.

®Vancouver Football Club