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Why the BC Place Stadium didn’t have to change it’s name for the World Cup
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- Why the BC Place Stadium didn’t have to change it’s name for the World Cup
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
The BC Place Stadium is one of the stadiums hosting games at the 2026 World Cup and is one of the few that doesn't have to change its name.
Based in Vancouver, Canada , the 54,500-capacity ground will host seven games throughout the tournament, including Canada vs Qatar .
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Several stadiums such as the Estadio Azteca have been forced to change their name , but the BC Place stadium is exempt from this rule.
Photo by Sarah Stier – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Why the BC Place stadium didn't need to change the rules
FIFA prevent sponsors not affiliated to the governing body or the World Cup from being displayed during the tournament.
This has even seen the labels of some condiments covered up at the stadiums.
However, the BC Place Stadium is allowed to keep it's actual name as it is publicly owned by the province of British Columbia and doesn't have a naming rights deal with a sponsor.
There is only one other stadium which has been allowed to keep it's sponsor. Although renamed to the Atlanta Stadium, the Mercedes-Benz stadium will keep the logo as organisers did not know how to remove it without causing damage or safety concerns.
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How to reach BC Place Stadium's only entrance for World Cup games
One bonus of holding World Cup games here is the stadium's central location in the city of Vancouver.
However, due to extensive road closures, only one entrance to the stadium will be open, meaning that fans have been advised to arrive in plenty of time.
Fans have been asked to arrive at Expo Line's Main Street-Science World Station, one stop east of Stadium-Chinatown Station on the Skytrain, the latter of which is the usual stop.
There, supporters will be able to make their way to the ground.
