You'd be hard pressed to find someone who grew up in British Columbia who doesn't have a memory connected to the iconic stadium named after their province. For the last 30 years folks from every corner of it have enjoyed all brands of awesomeness at BC Place, and recently they put out a call to get them to share their most fond moments.
The winning story was a tear jerker from Derek Williams of Surrey. Here's the word from the folks at BC Place...
Derek was just five-years-old when his father brought him to see the BC Lions at BC Place Stadium. That father-son experience kicked off a lifetime of memories.
“That is where my love of football and love for the Lions started”, recalls Derek. “I was only five but my Dad taught me all about the game and the players. Since then I have played for my high school football team and my dad took days off work just to see the team play.”
Sadly, Derek’s father passed away in October. But for Derek, the memory of his father is strong every time he attends a game at BC Place. “Even ‘till this day when I’m sitting at a game, I think of the first time that my dad brought me to BC Place - and this season it will be no different.”
BC Place recently invited British Columbians to share their memories from the last 30 years for a chance to win a grand prize including the winner’s choice of BC Lions or Whitecaps FC event tickets, plus a 12-month family membership to the BC Sports Hall of Fame.
British Columbians submitted hundreds of stories about their favourite memories. Those experiences included once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to visit the original construction site in 1982, welcoming the world for the ceremonies of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, and priceless memories of seeing Michael Jackson live in concert.
“The response to the BC Place 30th Anniversary contest has been heartwarming, and a wonderful example of the memories created over the last 30 years,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Hon. Todd Stone. “The response has highlighted the connection that British Columbians have with our world-class stadium.”
“On behalf of the BC Sports Hall of Fame, I would like to say congratulations to Derek Williams on winning BC Place’s 30th Anniversary contest,” said Allison Mailer, Executive Director of the BC Sports Hall of Fame. “Derek’s memorable moment reminds us of the important role sport plays in bringing families and the community together.”
Since the official opening ceremony on June 19, 1983, BC Place has hosted thousands of events, large and small, from world-class concerts with 62,000 fans cheering, to community days where British Columbians have met their heroes.
Vancouver’s skyline also featured 30 candles for the 30 days of celebration, as BC Place’s Northern Lights marked the 30th Anniversary of the stadium with a unique lighting display.
A selection of memories submitted during the contest will be featured on BC Place’s Facebook page at fb.com/BCPlaceStadium.
