Vancouver Gears Up for the 2010 Games: What to Expect During Game Time, the Last Minute Preparations and the Embrace of the Olympic Spirit

As of today, there is little over a month left until Vancouver welcomes the world. In preparation for this once in a lifetime event, here is a preview of what is expected come game time and the current condition of some of the major Olympic venues.

The Olympic Village

Located on the southeast side of beautiful False Creek and composed of mostly glass and steel, Vancouver’s Olympic Village is a show-stopper. And with its close proximity to both BC Place (the opening and closing ceremonies will be held here) and GM Place (which will be renamed Canada Hockey Place for the duration of the games), the village is destined to become one of the busiest venues during the Games.

Equally, this 100 acre site exemplifies sustainability as the site includes features such as: rainwater harvesting, a sewer-heat recovery system, and interiors which contain low-VOC materials made of recycled or sustainable resources.

However, undisputedly, the village’s best feature is its view which consists of extraordinary views of the city’s skyline and the Coast Mountains.

Currently, the village is near completion as the finishing touches are presently taking place.

Concord Place Exposition and Activity Zone

Just steps away from the breathtaking Olympic Village, the Concord Place Exposition and Activity Zone is in its final phase of construction as well. For the duration of the 2010 games, critical back-of-house activities such as security, broadcast, workforce, and ceremonies will be conducted in this zone. As well, Quebec and Saskatchewan pavilions will be present in this zone, along with a Tourism Vancouver kiosk and Concord's condo sales centre.

Yet, the main attraction of this zone will no doubt be the Molson Hockey House. Billed as the “cathedral to hockey”, the Molson Hockey House boasts a lively schedule comprising of live sporting broadcasts, top entertainment acts, local delicacies and cold beer supplied by you guessed it, none other than Molson Canadian. In addition, it will be home to both the International Lounge (for International Ice Hockey Federation) and Hockey Canada House (for Hockey Canada), where both organizations will host VIP members from hockey’s Canadian and international communities. Amazingly, at 81,000 square feet, it will be the largest freestanding pavilion ever constructed in Canada.

But this epic hockey experience comes with a hefty price tag. Prices range from $495 to $995 for single-day passes to $68,000 for a 17 day box for eight people.

David Lam Park

Perhaps the most exciting Olympic venue come February is the party zone designated at David Lam Park. Located along the waters of False Creek and adjacent to Vancouver’s trendy Yaletown district, LiveCity Yaletown is 18,580 square metres of celebration space, complete with live entertainment, giant screens which will showcase highlights of the games and each evening will close with a dynamic laser light and water show.