Okay, I know there is some who feel a stadium that isn't downtown wouldn't be able to handle lots of people, but I think this FIFA Fan Fest has proven that transit to Hastings isn't as bad as it's made out to be.

Public Transit

The #11 express bus has been fantastic ( 6 min. from Renfrew ).

It's temporary for FIFA WC, but an express bus that makes no stops between Renfrew Station and the Coliseum has been MORE than adequate. Current 5-minute frequencies are excessive, but a bus every 10 minutes on game days would MORE than satisfy crowds coming from the Expo Line or M-Line.

The R5 bus (21 min. + 5 min. walk) and Hastings may get Bus Lanes

The R5 makes 6 stops and takes 21 minutes to get to the Playland Entrance. It's a pleasant 6 minute walk (500m) from there through Hastings Park. This is barely longer than the walk from Stadium to Beatty St. entrance.

Broadway Subway

For people coming from the Cambie corridor (Langara, Richmond), there will be a very easy connection to the M-Line at Main St.-City Hall late 2027. M-Line will be running more trains more often.

The #16 bus route could be modified (10 minute ride)

The #16 turns WEST on Hastings but these buses could continue NORTH towards McGill. It would go WEST along Dundas or McGill and South down Nanaimo back to Hastings. Existing buses can't do this now as there are no trolley wires, but the new generation of trolley buses ordered from Europe can travel up to 20km on battery power, opening up this route.

Or they could just put up trolley wires to Eton along Renfrew.

Whitecaps Special Shuttle

Operate a free direct shuttle from Joyce & Rupert. Mt. Seymour runs a ski bus from Rupert every 30 minutes in the winter. You could run a free bus or two from Rupert or Gilmore on game days for ticket holders.

Metrotown-North Shore BRT

Translink is moving forward with a BRT connecting Metrotown-North Shore passing right by the stadium. This will have dedicated bus lanes and only stop at BCIT, Brentwood SkyTrain, Burnaby Heights (2 stops) and Boundary/Hastings.

This will roll out within 2 years.

https://www.translink.ca/plans-and-projects/projects/rapid-transit-projects/bus-rapid-transit

Hastings Corridor is a priority for rapid transit

Hastings is a future priority for rapid transit, either BRT or SkyTrain. A stadium and entertainment district there may accelerate these plans.

It's not clear whether this will be

West Coast Express Stop (possible?)

It's possible that an additional West Coast Express Stop COULD be added RIGHT at the North side of Hastings Park. Maybe not useful right now as these trains only run one direction, but who knows. That'd be great for those coming from Maple Ridge and beyond.

Driving

There's parking.

Undoubtedly more would choose to drive. There's enough parking in the area lots as the season is opposite of Playland and the PNE. Its location next to the #1 Hwy is super convenient for any supporters coming from Burnaby or parts of Surrey.

MLS is changing its season to end in May(ish).

The end of the season and the playoffs will be the busiest game times. This aligns well as Playland isn't running. Apart from the PNE in late August, parking will be easier and it will mean parking lots in the area are better utilized in the winter.

Other issues

Pre/Post-match Food and drink. Yes, there are fewer options than downtown, but a stadium and entertainment district in the area would undoubtedly attract a few pubs and restaurants.

Worse for Richmond/Delta. Better for Tri-Cities.

People in Richmond have a nice easy ride now downtown. This would add more travel time and driving through the city sucks.

People in the Tri-cities could more easily drive along the Barnet Hwy. They could take the train as they do now, and it wouldn't affect them much as it's closer.

Loses its downtown glitz

I don't think this is all that important, but having a stadium right downtown is nice for supporters. It would be about the same for fans driving from Seattle or Portland to support their team, unless they're taking the Amtrak Cascades (doubtful under current schedule).

BC Place may need a new stable tenant.

This may not matter too much, as I think Vancouver can attract more conventions and concerts to BC Place without a permanent tenant there, but if the Lions also left, I wonder what the future for BC Place would be.

At some point, does the province sell or lease the asset? I hope not, but it's a possibility.