FIFA is allowing umbrellas at BC Place but there's a catch
Vancouverites have been blessed with sunshine throughout the first two weeks of the FIFA World Cup.
However, that changed on Friday.
Rain made its way back to Vancouver ahead of a FIFA World Cup match between New Zealand and Belgium at BC Place.
So, will fans making their long walk around Science World to attend the match be able to bring umbrellas?
Before the World Cup got underway, FIFA unveiled a long list of banned items prohibited at all matches. Among those items were golf and beach umbrellas, with FIFA including them under the category of objects “that could be used as a weapon.”
However, BC Place has confirmed that small, personal umbrellas will be permitted.
The rules at BC Place differ from those at FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver, where umbrellas are strictly prohibited. Fans who want to catch the action there should pack their raincoats and ponchos.
Although there may be rain outside before the match between New Zealand and Belgium, that won’t make its way inside the stadium. FIFA revealed earlier this month that, rain or shine, the roof at BC Place would remain closed throughout the World Cup.
The New Zealand vs. Belgium match is the last group stage contest at BC Place. There will be two knockout round games in Vancouver, with one taking place on July 2 (Round of 32) and another on July 7 (Round of 16).
Currently, there is rain in the forecast daily from Tuesday, June 30, until Saturday, July 4.