Whitecaps CEO Paul Barber stands in front of the new FIFA-approved AstroTurf GT pitch at Empire Fields on Friday.

'Caps tour stadium at Empire Fields

June 18, 2010

With Major League Soccer still nine months away, Vancouver Whitecaps FC took part in Friday's public tour of their future home at Empire Fields.

Representatives from the Pacific National Exhibition, local and provincial government, and the Canadian Football League's BC Lions joined the media to look over the $14-million temporary stadium, which was completed in 111 days.

Empire Fields Tour

With BC Place Stadium undergoing renovations until the summer of 2011, BC Lions will play their 2010 CFL season at Empire Fields, with their first home game coming on Sunday afternoon when they face Edmonton Eskimos in a preseason match-up. The Whitecaps will then embark on their inaugural season in MLS at Empire Fields in March 2011 before moving to the new BC Place.

Located on the site of the old Empire Stadium, the new temporary stadium at Empire Fields is sure to bring back many fond memories for Whitecaps fans. From 1974 to 1983, the 'Caps averaged crowds as high as nearly 27,000-a-match in the old North American Soccer League.

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