Lowell Ullrich
The Province

When will it be ready?

Scheduled completion date is June 15, five days before the Lions' preseason home opener. The stadium will be home to soccer's Whitecaps to start MLS play in 2011 with both teams returning to B.C. Place Stadium later that year, though the Lions as yet do not have a lease with its landlord, B.C. Pavilion Corp.

Back in the day, Empire Stadium was known for a crown in the middle of the field. Will that be a factor at Empire Fields?

The artificial surface at B.C. Place Stadium will be laid down on the existing grass once a drainage system is constructed and, as such, should not cause a crown, Lions business vice-president George Chayka said.

Will PavCo still be in charge of the concessions?

Both concessions and in-game management will be operated by the PNE, which will be considered by some fans to represent an upgrade. As there was at B.C. Place Stadium, an alcohol-free section will be designated.

What about washrooms?

Chayka said the temporary facility will be built to construction code standards. Portable facilities will be the norm but some washrooms will be constructed and plumbed.

Will getting to games be more difficult?

TransLink will soon come out with a discounted bus pass to offset the fact SkyTrain is not a short walk to the Lions' new home. The club points out parking options in the immediate area around the PNE are more numerous than downtown.

Any chance for a look-see before the Lions' first game June 20?

No promises, but there's talk of an event a week earlier, providing the facility is complete, while the club is at training camp in Kamloops.

Day football at Empire would be a natural. Any games not needing lights this year?

The Lions will have three afternoon games this season and Chayka said with a fan response there's reason to think afternoon play will become more frequent in future scheduling.

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