Vancouver Whitecaps likely to use temporary stadium on MLS entry

Incoming MLS franchise Vancouver Whitecaps look likely to start their career in the competition by playing in a temporary stadium.

Plans for a renovated BC Place Stadium have been put in place but it seems as though it will not be completed until about July 2011, about four months after the Whitecaps play their first MLS match.

It is still all up in the air but Whitecaps representative Nathan Vanstone said it was likely a temp stadium would be used initially.

“We're still working out those details," he said. "It looks like things will ultimately lead to [playing in a temporary stadium] but the plans have not been finalized so we don't know for sure where we'll be playing.

"We're exploring all options and playing in a temporary stadium is one of the options.”

MLS Commissioner was surprised to learn of this fact but said he did not know enough about to comment thoroughly.

"We have not been told by the Whitecaps that there has been any decision that they're playing in a temporary facility in 2011," Garber said.

"So it's premature for me to comment on that. I'm not trying to be evasive but that has not yet been communicated to us."