BC Place reno to be completed by Sept. 30

BC Place officials have announced revitalization work on the stadium is scheduled to be completed by Friday, Sept. 30.

The massive $565-million renovation includes the installation of the largest cable-supported retractable roof of its kind in the world. The stadium's seats are also being replaced with wider versions.

Work to install the 36 masts and compression beams that make up the steel superstructure of the new retractable roof at BC Place is now complete. The cable-net system to support the new fabric roof is now being installed.

"Theres still a lot of work to do of course, but we have an exceptional team of skilled tradespeople, designers, engineers and construction professionals involved in this project," said David Podmore, chair of the BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo), in a news release.

He cautioned the Sept. 30 date could change.

"Our September 30th scheduled completion is also dependent on weather or other factors beyond our control. While we will do our level best to be ready on that date, we will, of course, always put the safety of our talented and dedicated workers ahead of any other consideration. Nonetheless, construction at BC Place is progressing so well, that we are now at a point where we can confidently set the re-opening date," Podmore added.

He said the BC Lions and Vancouver Whitecaps FC are now able to finalize their plans for 2011. BC Place will host the Grey Cup on Nov. 27.