The Amphitheatre at Vancouver’s PNE Just Got a Major Makeover

It took three years to build, and it was well worth the wait.

The Freedom Mobile Arch at the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) grounds in Vancouver is officially open with an incredible lineup of summer fun planned—starting now.

The new, open-air venue replaces the old space that held the outdoor summer concerts every summer during the PNE. Nostalgia for that aside, this revitalized venue promises to be one of Canada’s premier destinations for live music, arts, culture and community events.

With North America’s largest clear-span wood roof, the Freedom Mobile Arch comfortably seats 10,000 people (compared to 7,000 in the former space), and includes food and drink concessions on site. Indigenous art installations from Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nation artists are also situated throughout the space.

The venue will host a variety of upcoming events year-round, and last week, national treasure Jann Arden kicked off opening night by hosting a party and concert packed with Canadian artists like Colin James, Tyson Venegas, Bobby Bruce’s Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band. Beyond concerts, the Freedom Mobile Arch will host cultural performances, esports, live theatre and more. As the always-charming Ms. Arden pointed out during her musical set, this new venue is world-class and like nothing she’s witnessed in her lengthy career.

Starting Thursday, June 11, the new space also acts as Vancouver’s official central space for the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival. Watch select live games on the big screens, catch some music and get in on fun fan-centric events. Admission is free, with reservations and wrist bands also possible.

Consider the PNE’s Summer Night Concerts series elevated in this new outdoor stage with an impressive kick-off musical lineup this year. Running August 22 through September 7, Canadian musicians Blue Rodeo, Sarah McLachlan, The Beaches and Barenaked Ladies will hit that stage. International artists like Cynthia Erivo will perform with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, plus Nelly and Train, and do watch the just-released HBO Questlove documentary about Earth, Wind & Fire before catching their show.

For a complete schedule and to buy concert tickets, which are selling fast, click here.