Vancouver unveils 105-meter mass timber arch amphitheater ahead of FIFA world cup fan festival

Published on June 10, 2026 Time: loading...

Cityscape with a futuristic white, ribbed, curved-roof building in the foreground and tall blue office towers in the background, with people walking in the plaza.

Vancouver has officially opened the Freedom Mobile Arch, a landmark mass timber venue that introduces one of the world’s longest timber arch roof structures to the public. The new amphitheater, located at the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) grounds, welcomed its first audience just days before the city hosts its FIFA World Cup fan festival.

The inaugural event took place on June 5 and featured performances by Canadian artists Jann Arden and Colin James. The opening marked a significant milestone for both the PNE and the broader construction industry.

The new venue has been developed with an investment of approximately $183 million. It provides seating for 10,000 spectators and is covered by a 105-meter clear-span canopy. The project represents the first major building addition at the exhibition grounds since the Pacific Coliseum opened in 1968.

Built primarily from British Columbia wood products, the structure highlights the growing role of engineered timber in large-scale public infrastructure. The venue will serve as a centerpiece for Vancouver’s FIFA World Cup fan festival beginning June 11, when tournament activities commence across North America.

According to PNE President and Chief Executive Officer Shelley Frost, the opening represents a transformative moment for the organization and the province. The venue is expected to expand year-round event opportunities while strengthening Vancouver’s entertainment infrastructure.

Engineering Pushes the Boundaries of Timber Design

The Freedom Mobile Arch was designed by Revery Architecture and engineered by Fast + Epp. The project demonstrates how modern timber engineering can be applied to long-span civic structures previously dominated by steel and concrete.

The roof system consists of 60 glulam timber arches combined with three heavily loaded steel king arches. These structural elements are arranged within six intersecting barrel vaults that create the distinctive starburst appearance of the canopy.

A notable engineering achievement is the roof’s support system. The structure rests on only three concrete supports positioned at the corners of an equilateral triangle. This design enables the expansive span to be carried on three points rather than the more conventional four-point arrangement.

The roof geometry generates significant structural forces. As the timber arches extend toward the center, considerable thrust is created. These loads are transferred into the steel king arches located within the roof valleys before ultimately reaching the concrete buttresses.

Fast + Epp Partner Robert Jackson emphasized that the project’s significance extends beyond its physical scale. The development demonstrates the potential of timber to perform in long-span public buildings where traditional materials have historically dominated.

Advanced Fabrication and Construction Techniques

The project required extensive coordination between manufacturers, engineers, and construction teams. The glulam components were produced by Nordic Structures in Quebec before being transported across Canada by rail.

Individual timber segments were limited to approximately 21 meters in length for transportation purposes. The pieces were later assembled and connected on-site.

Structural steel was supplied by Walters Group. Approximately 800 tons of steel were incorporated into the project. In addition, nearly 900 tons of timber arches were installed. Each preassembled steel king arch weighed more than 16 tons.

Construction of the roof required innovative temporary support systems. Thirteen crane-mast towers equipped with hydraulic jacks were utilized during assembly. These temporary structures supported the timber and steel framework while the roof and cross-laminated timber diaphragm were installed.

Once construction was completed, a carefully planned de-shoring process was carried out. The temporary supports were removed in sequence. The structural performance of the roof was successfully confirmed during this stage.

Inspired by Historic Structural Concepts

The design draws inspiration from historic compression-based structures. The engineering approach revisits principles associated with the CNIT exhibition hall in Paris, a pioneering concrete structure linked to renowned engineer Pier Luigi Nervi.

Those concepts have now been reinterpreted using modern mass timber and steel technologies. The result is a contemporary structure that combines architectural expression with sustainable construction practices.

The project also surpasses previous achievements by Fast + Epp. The firm’s Richmond Olympic Oval, constructed for the 2010 Winter Olympics, featured a timber roof spanning approximately 95 meters. Until now, it ranked among the company’s most ambitious long-span timber projects.

Economic and Community Impact

The Freedom Mobile Arch is expected to become a major cultural and economic asset for Vancouver. The facility will support concerts, festivals, community events, and large-scale public gatherings throughout the year.

The venue also extends the city’s outdoor entertainment season. Weather protection provided by the expansive canopy enables events to be hosted beyond the traditional summer months.

PNE leadership anticipates that hundreds of thousands of visitors will be attracted annually. Increased attendance is expected to support tourism, local businesses, and regional economic activity.

The investment arrives at an important time. PNE attendance declined to approximately 612,000 visitors in 2025, representing a four percent decrease compared with the previous year and the lowest level recorded this century outside the pandemic period.

Despite those challenges, confidence remains strong. Financial projections indicate that revenue generated through ticket sales and event programming could allow the project’s cost to be recovered within 15 to 18 years.

As one of North America’s most ambitious timber construction projects, the Freedom Mobile Arch demonstrates how advanced wood engineering can deliver large-scale civic infrastructure while supporting sustainability, architectural innovation, and long-term community development.