Deflation of B.C. Place roof complete
Posted May 4, 2010 11:25:46 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – It’s the end of an era and the start of another for B.C. Place Stadium. Deflation of the air-supported roof is complete. Pictures from the outside, and inside of BC Place show the process, which took just 48 minutes.
Tourism Minister Kevin Krueger and PavCo boss David Podmore did the honours just after 11 a.m., when they turned off the fans that keep the roof inflated. Many people walking around Vancouver were seen staring at the stadium, trying to catch a glimpse of the roof sinking. The centre of the roof was first to show signs of the deflation underway, sagging slightly just after 11:10.
By noon, the deflation was complete, with the roof material looking like a crumpled parachute. Crews will now begin stripping away the old roof material. It is being recycled by a Milwaukee company, which will use it for things like movie screens, purses, and even portable skating rink beds.
After the old roof is taken away, installation will begin on a new retractable roof. It is being called the largest cable-supported retractable roof in the world, which should be complete sometime next year.
