Vancouver World Cup plans focus on transit, road closures as first match nears

Vancouver officials are updating World Cup readiness plans as road closures, transit crowding and local access measures loom around B.C. Place.

Vancouver’s World Cup host committee, city officials, police and TransLink began a readiness update Wednesday as the city enters the final stretch before seven tournament matches at B.C. Place.

The preparations matter well beyond ticket holders. Vancouver is expecting more than 350,000 visitors across its seven match days, with road closures planned around the stadium and transit expected to be significantly busier even with added service.

The briefing opened with Musqueam Coun. Morgan Guerin offering words of welcome on behalf of the region’s Indigenous host nations. “In our culture we could call it ceremony, we’ve got guests coming, let's get the house ready,” he said. Guerin said the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh nations are excited to welcome the world to the region.

The first Vancouver match is scheduled for June 13, when Australia plays Turkey. Canada is set to play Qatar at B.C. Place on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24. Other group-stage matches in the city include New Zealand against Egypt on June 21 and New Zealand against Belgium on June 26, followed by knockout-round games on July 2 and July 7.

Traffic changes will begin before the first whistle. A stretch of Pacific Boulevard between Carrall Street and the Cambie Street Bridge is set to close starting May 23. Additional road closures covering parts of north and east False Creek are planned for match days around B.C. Place.

Residents and businesses in affected areas have been told they will receive local access passes. FIFA is also hosting community sessions on May 7 and May 11 for people affected by the restrictions.

Transit will be central to the city’s game-day plan. The host committee’s “Know Before You Go” message directs people to take transit, walk, bike or use other non-car options, while allowing extra time for crowded trips. Two SkyTrain stations are also expected to close on match days, according to the update.

For the duration of the World Cup, a stretch of Granville Street is expected to become pedestrian-oriented, with expanded patios, art installations, live music and family-friendly activities, according to the City of Vancouver.

Wednesday’s update was expected to include officials from FIFA’s Vancouver team, the Vancouver Police Department and TransLink. The next test for the plan comes later this month, when the first road closure takes effect and residents begin to see how the city’s World Cup footprint will change daily travel downtown.