Coldplay is finally coming to town.
The popular band announced a series of West Coast dates for its "Music of the Spheres" world tour earlier this year. They're set to perform in Vancouver at BC Place on Sept. 22 but added a second date on Sept. 23 after an overwhelming response from local fans at the time of the announcement.
Earlier this month, Coldplay announced that it will be selling a limited amount of discounted tickets for $20. The cheap tickets are called Infinity Tickets and are available for every concert on their tour. Sadly many Vancouver fans were left frustrated and disappointed after the ultra-cheap Infinity Tickets went on sale.
Now with both concerts coming up this weekend, excited fans planning to attend may want to keep this ultimate concert guide handy to avoid any frustrations and mishaps on show night.
Getting there
SkyTrain
The concert starts at 6:30 p.m. but doors open at 5 p.m., giving fans plenty of time to buy merch, get any food or drinks, and find their seat or a standing spot on the floor inside the venue.
BC Place is located near the Expo Line’s Stadium–Chinatown Station and Canada Line’s Yaletown–Roundhouse Station. Both SkyTrain lines will be operating their regular service and there will not be a special schedule or train to assist the concert crowd rush before or after the show.
Traffic and parking
There are several events happening near BC Place on both concert days, so parking and street access by car may be limited.
Those driving home from the concert to North or West Vancouver via the Lions Gate Bridge should keep in mind that the north approach viaduct will be reduced to single-lane alternating traffic on Sept. 22 through Sept. 24 from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. due to construction.
Ferry
Hullo Ferries, which had a delayed launch last month, will run special late-night sailings from its downtown Vancouver terminal at the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre (1055 Canada Pl) back to Nanaimo at 10:30 p.m. following Canucks hockey games and at 11:30 p.m. after concerts, including Coldplay, Morgan Wallen, and Pink performances.
The Coldplay concert is expected to wrap up around 11 p.m. which means passengers travelling to Nanaimo by boat will have to rush to make the sailing.
There are several ways to get to the Vancouver terminal from BC Place; each takes about 20 minutes, according to Google.
- SkyTrain: take the Expo Line from Stadium-Chinatown Station to Burrard Station then walk about 10 minutes to the ferry terminal
- Bus: hop on the 5, 246, or 19 bus then walk around 15 minutes to the ferry terminal
- Walk: getting to the ferry terminal by foot will take approximately 30 minutes
- Taxi or Uber/Lyft: it is a 5-12 minute drive on average from BC Place to the Hullo terminal
Hullo Ferries General tickets cost $39.99 for a one-way trip and $75 for a round-trip. Tickets can be purchased online.
Things to know about BC Place
Entry
All gates except Gate F will open at 5 p.m.
Make sure your ticket is ready to scan upon entry. Electronic tickets should be downloaded to your mobile device. You can also check with the staff for the shortest line.
The concert starts at 6:30 p.m. with special guests H.E.R. and 070 Shake opening the show.
All floor tickets are general admission and standing room only. There are no seating areas on the floor, so wear comfortable shoes.
Bag and photo policies
BC Place has a strict bag policy and encourages people to not bring bags of any type unless it is a:
- Clutch purse or belt bag no larger than 6.5 by 8.5 inches
- Clear plastic bag (including clear plastic freezer bags) no larger than 12 by 12 by 6 inches
A bag check is available for $10 per piece. Diaper bags and medically necessary items that cannot fit into a clear bag may be accepted.
Professional cameras and cameras with a detachable lens are not allowed into the venue. Cellphones and small personal cameras are allowed.
Glass or metal water bottles are also prohibited.
Merchandise
Tour merchandise will be available outside on the Terry Fox Plaza and inside on Level 1, Level 2, and Level 4.
Cashless
BC Place is a cashless venue.
