FIFA explains why BC Place roof will be closed for all World Cup matches
Rain or shine, the roof will be closed for FIFA World Cup matches at BC Place in Vancouver.
FIFA indicated that the reason has nothing to do with the newly installed grass pitch.
Instead, television is to blame.
“Likely on match days, it will be closed, just to create that consistent environment, in particular for broadcast television,” said Don Hardman, FIFA World Cup 2026 executive director of stadium and venue management in Canada.
“Some of it has to do with the shadowing that’s created here at BC Place, to manage that.”
The World Cup will kick off with the roof closed. (Rob Williams/Daily Hive)
BC Place is one of four FIFA World Cup stadiums that have a retractable roof. Hardman said he expects the other three retractable roof stadiums (in Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta) to remain closed as well.
On non-match days, though, you can expect the roof to be open.
“We like to keep it open on non-match days. It helps the growth of the grass to get as much natural light and air circulation around the pitch,” he said.
Newly installed grass pitch at BC Place looks match-ready. (Rob Williams/Daily Hive)
The roof was closed when Daily Hive toured the stadium on Monday, as final touches were being made at BC Place.
Seating capacity will be reduced to just over 51,000 seats, as a temporary media tribune takes over centre field seats in the upper bowl.
Fans attending games are encouraged to arrive early for matches, with gates opening three hours early. Fans will need to enter from the east of the building on Pacific Boulevard, as the Terry Fox Plaza entry is for VIPs only during the World Cup.
The World Cup begins on Thursday, with the first two matches taking place in Mexico. Toronto hosts Canada’s first match on Friday.
The first match in Vancouver is set for Saturday at 9 p.m., featuring Australia versus Türkiye.