Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium seems more anomalous than integral. Its positioning is awkward relative to surrounding Yaletown, Vancouver’s glittering collection of compact glass-clad apartment towers: it’s a cinder block resting uncomfortably in a gurgling brook (in its defense, it did land first). Built in 1983 in advance of the 1986 World’s Fair, Expo ’86, it hosted the opening ceremonies and will host the closing ceremonies at the 2010 Games. This is first time these events have been held indoors. Originally designed by Studio Phillips Barrett, BC Place is scheduled to have its inflatable roof replaced with a rigid retractable structure subsequent to the Games. Perhaps this will finally attract the MLB team the stadium was originally earmarked for—though the departure of the Expos from Montreal and Vancouver’s inability to retain its NBA franchise don’t bode well. -Jesse Jackson