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B.C. Place dome collapses

A

aofe11

Guest
www.cbc.ca/canada/british...-dome.html

The domed roof of B.C. Place Stadium collapsed with a loud bang on Friday afternoon and is completely flat.

Two City of Vancouver workers told CBC News that there appeared to have been a hole in the roof.

They said they heard some flapping, followed by what sounded like an explosion.

They said they believe the whole internal roof support structure may be gone.

Former CBC journalist Kathryn Gretsinger said the deflated dome was the "strangest sight ever" as she travelled into downtown Vancouver over the Cambie Bridge.

She said there was only a circular rim of concrete visible when looking up from outside.
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A CBC listener who lives in the Citygate condos near the stadium told CBC Radio he could see a 10-metre tear in the roof, which now looks like a "reverse dome."

The stadium, which is home to the B.C. Lions football team, was built more than 20 years ago for Expo 86. It has been the largest air-supported stadium in the world.

More to come
 
Can't the media use a better word than "collapse"? That word is making this sound like 9/11 all over again. How about "deflate"?

*****

Globe and Mail

Link to article

Inflated roof at B.C. Place Stadium collapses

Canadian Press

Vancouver — The inflated roof at B.C. Place stadium in Vancouver has collapsed, but no one is reported hurt.

The fabric dome came down into the bowl of the stadium during a storm that brought wind and heavy, wet snow to the area.

Witnesses say a section of roof came loose at a concrete rim on the building and began flapping in the wind, which released the air pressure inside the fabric, possibly leading to the collapse.

Trevor Holness said he was taking up the turf after a soccer camp earlier this week and had just returned from lunch when he noticed speakers had come down from the ceiling.

Mr. Holness, 30, then said he heard a loud sound like a "zoo running through your kitchen."

He said the roof looked like someone was shaking out a rug and that he then watched as a tear ripped up the side of the roof.

"It was very scary," Mr. Holness said. "The sound was the scariest about it. It sent shivers down your spine."

Mr. Holness said about 30 people would normally have been working at the stadium but that there was a skeleton crew Friday.

The roof is held up by air pressure, which means that any tear can cause it to collapse.

There was no event in the stadium at the time, which is home to the B.C. Lions of the Canadian Football League

The stadium is also used for concerts and other sporting events year round.

B.C. Place is slated to be the site of the opening ceremonies for the 2010 Winter Games. It will mark the first time ever that the Olympic ceremonies are held indoors.

But Delta North Delta New Democrat MLA Guy Gentner now questions responses he got from the B.C. Liberal government in May about the safety of the roof at B.C. Place Stadium.

At the time, then tourism and sports minister Olga Ilich assured the legislature that "apparently, the roof is expected to last another 15 to 20 years if it's maintained properly in its current state."

On Friday, Mr. Gentner said safety should come first. "I don't care what your politics are ... the safety of the people and of your infrastructure is of paramount importance and to just sort of slough it off, I think, is highly irresponsible."

Mr. Gentner said he is very relieved that there appear to be no injuries, adding that it could have been catastrophic if there had been a major event inside.

During the leadup to Expo '86, B.C. Place was hailed as a marvel of construction and the place to be for sports and entertainment.

The facility drew countless trade shows, hosted Grey Cup games and music luminaries such as Michael Jackson, the Rolling Stones and U2.

But B.C. Place has become more of an eyesore in recent years. Some events that would have taken place there were booked by nearby GM Place as the stadium drew increasing criticism for apparent neglect.

Some facts about B.C. Place Stadium:

Opened: June 19, 1983

Cost: $126-million

Seats: 59,556; 35 private suites, 10 meeting rooms.

Roof: Teflon-coated fibreglass, supported by air pressure produced by 16 fans.

BCPlacebig.jpg
 
That sucks. I hope that they're able to reconstruct it. I don't see it as an eye-soar as some apparently do. It looks great - from the outside anyway. Or it did. I wonder if they'll still hold the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games there, or in another venue - a newly built venue, maybe???
 
Well, as one can tell by the Varsity Stadium thread, bubbles don't get much respect these days.

And other than the bubble-roof novelty, what's to say about BC Place? Just a big 1980s stadium that's got as much charm as an old Payola$ record...
 
I wonder if they'll still hold the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games there, or in another venue
Click to expand...

I've never been a big fan of the plan to have the Olympic opening ceremony, closing ceremony, or medal presentations at BC Place. The game organizers in Vancouver are probably thinking about keeping those events indoors where it's warm and dry, but indoor ceremonies probably won't be as exciting as outdoor ones.

renderings_soccer.jpg


The Vancouver Whitecaps stadium (planned completion in 2009) makes a really great venue for the ceremonies, with the addition of a lot of temporary seating.
 
Thanks for the info and pic officedweller. Glad to read that they're able to fix it.
 
I never liked the idea of the Olympic opening ceremony, closing ceremony and medal presentations taking place at BC Place either. I don't like the idea of it being in-doors either. The ceremonie's should be exposed to the winter elements as the games will be played in those elements. Oh well.
Vancouver Whitecaps Stadium is nice and has a great view. It would be more ideal for the ceremonies, imo. Thanks for the rendering.
 
I can appreciate it's smooth, clean and simple design. Like the Sky...damn, ROGERS CENTRE, I like domes like these. It appeals to some and not to others. Cool! To each their own.
 
An outy becomes an inny: B.C. Place becomes Saddledome.
 
I wonder if any buyers at One Bedford are concerned about field goal damage in the summer?
 
The Whitecaps stadium is just starting the City's review process and will likely get a rough ride. I doubt it would be ready in time for the Games.
 
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