In what can only be described as exciting news on the Vancouver entertainment scene, the PNE has teamed up with Canadian wireless service provider Freedom Mobile, in a 12-year sponsorship agreement to create a state-of-the-art amphitheater on the hallowed fairgrounds. This new entertainment facility is set to be unveiled in 2026.As the city’s most venerable, annual summer attraction for more than 114 years, the Pacific National Exhibition has played host to the giants of entertainment throughout the decades, by way of its various venues, stages and structures. The roster of superstar talent to grace the fairgrounds over the years has ranged from Elvis Presley, The Beatles and Frank Sinatra to Billy Idol and ZZ Top.
This new – as yet unnamed – amphitheater not only promises an ideal performance facility for all artists, but in an intimately and uniquely West Coast setting. PNE President Shelly Frost is thrilled at the prospect of what lies ahead. “Really, there isn’t anything like what this new venue will be,” she says of the existing entertainment landscape. “It will overlook the North Shore Mountains and Burrard Inlet, under what will be the longest open span wooden roof in the world and feature the very unique view for the artists on an amusement park and roller coaster.” The PNE sought a one-of-a-kind concert venue experience to enhance the facility. “To be honest, we wanted something completely unique and as inspiring as the natural surroundings it would be set in, Vancouver and BC deserve nothing less,” she says. “I’m very proud to say I think we’ve delivered on that commitment.”
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While the annual fair will continue to showcase a range of genres, Frost says visitors can expect to experience a diff erent level of production and talent in the new structure.“This venue will take us up a performance tier due to increased capacity,” she says, “but what I’m also really excited about is the increased production values built in. “This means that we will be able to technically support tier-one artists, but will also be able to look at creative opportunities such as multi-day runs and residencies in order to accommodate the world’s top performers.” The setting can be confi gured from an intimate setting to more of a large capacity venue. “That’s the beauty of this venue’s design,” says Frost. “It will be a wonderful intimate experience for smaller music and culture events, but we also have the ability to scale up to 10,000 guests.” Frost notes, because of the size of Hastings Park, the PNE could also could expand into other stages in adjacent areas of the site for events such as festivals. “Conversely, we will have the ability to tailor, customize and support our local arts and culture community through smaller, intimate events of 2000 capacity.”This being an outdoor Vancouver venue, one expects inclement weather to pose its share of challenges throughout the calendar year.And while in theory, the venue will be accessible 365 days of the year, it’s expected the peak timeframe will be March through end of October.As for the caliber of performers expected to hit the stage, Frost suggests the range is limitless.
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” We are dedicated to showcasing local, regional and national talent and creating memorable experiences for British Columbians.”
“That’s the beauty of it being a PNE venue, as a not-for-profit organization, rather than a shareholder or corporate-profit driven organization,” she says. “We are dedicated to showcasing local, regional and national talent and creating memorable experiences for British Columbians.” Frost notes, although the PNE will adhere to a business model, the organization will have the flexibility to host up-and-coming music artists, cultural and live arts performances. “To be honest, I think this is one of the most compelling aspects of this project, because of our model this will be an incredibly important venue for artists and creative types at all stages of their careers.”While it’s too soon to ponder who the inaugural act will be, the PNE promises that it will be an event fitting of a major opening night at one of the most important music and cultural venues in North America. But it doesn’t end there.“I would stand by for a series of monumental evenings throughout 2026 for this venue.”
