'Devastated': Longtime Vancouver store forced to close on FIFA World Cup game days

Soccer fans from around the world will soon descend upon Vancouver for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but for one downtown business, the event will lead to a big loss in revenue.

Aquariums West, a shop that offers freshwater fish, aquatic plants, saltwater reef aquariums and captive-raised reptiles, announced that it has made the “difficult decision” to be closed for all World Cup game days at BC Place.

The reason for the closures is due to Aquariums West’s location at 796 Beatty St., at the corner of Robson Street.

“We happen to be right underneath BC Place, which means our store will be completely inaccessible on FIFA game days,” said the destination for aquatic enthusiasts.

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Terry Fox Plaza, next door to Aquariums West, has been fenced off from the public, as have large portions of the Plaza of Nations. Security personnel are in place.

A segment of Pacific Boulevard between Smithe Street and Carrall Street will also be fully closed until late July, when the post-tournament teardown of the setup, fixtures, and equipment nears completion.

This segment of Pacific Boulevard is immediately south of the stadium, and it will be closed to not only vehicles, but also the public in general — pedestrians and cyclists — as it will be part of the venue’s operational and logistical footprint, all behind security fencing.

However, during BC Place Stadium’s seven match days on June 13, 18, 21, 24, and 26 and July 2 and 7, the full road closures will be significantly expanded to other streets in the vicinity, including:

• Pacific Boulevard between Cambie Street and Smithe Street
• Pacific Boulevard/Quebec Street between Carrall Street and Terminal Avenue
• Expo Boulevard between Smithe Street and Quebec Street
• Quebec Street between Keefer Street and Expo Boulevard
• Carrall Street south of Keefer Street
• Griffiths Way
• Keefer Street between Carrall Street and Quebec Street
• Beatty Street between Smithe Street and Robson Street
• Robson Street between Cambie Street and Beatty Street

Aquariums West opened on Davie Street in 1980 and moved to its current 5,000-sq-ft location at Beatty Street and Robson Street in 2010.

It added that it was devastated that an event as large as the FIFA World Cup could not offer any compensation to small businesses that may be “deeply affected by these games in a negative way.”

“Please, think of visiting and supporting us on non-game days to ensure we can continue to serve the Vancouver aquarium and reptile communities,” the business added.

According to the Vancouver FIFA World Cup website, businesses can remain open on game days. However, access restrictions may apply.

“We recommend scheduling deliveries on non-match days whenever possible,” said organizers online.

Followers of Aquariums West echoed the store’s frustrations in the comments of the social media announcement.

“That’s completely ridiculous that there is no compensation from the government for a government-sanctioned event that forces you to shut down,” said one person.

“We will make sure to come by this month to stock up on anything we need because I’m sure this is a cash flow issue for you guys,” added another.

“And bringing FIFA to Vancouver is sooo great for the local economy, huh? Sorry it affects you this way,” said a third.

With FIFA now just days away — and Vancouver’s hosting costs estimated to be up to $729 million for federal, provincial, and municipal governments — a new report from Merchant Growth suggests that small B.C. businesses aren’t ready to capitalize on the event.

According to the report, nearly two-thirds of B.C. businesses say they don’t expect a revenue impact from the FIFA World Cup. Further, 44 per cent said they won’t benefit from the games at all, and 25 per cent predicted that their location won’t see increased foot traffic.

“The World Cup is a major economic moment, but it will not benefit every small business equally,” said David Gens, Founder and CEO of Merchant Growth, in a release.

With files from Kenneth Chan and Hanna Hett.