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Venue Review: Pacific Coliseum - Vancouver's Classic Concert Destination

Nov 29, 2024

4 min read

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Overall Rating: 4/5


Three girls posing at Pacific Coliseum during EDM concert
Caught in the Prydz vibes at Pacific Coliseum with the girls! 🌌💥

Pacific Coliseum is one of Vancouver's most iconic multi-purpose arenas, known for hosting a wide variety of events ranging from concerts to sports competitions. It is located on the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) grounds, a large fairground that hosts an annual summer fair, amusement park attractions, and various events throughout the year. The PNE grounds feature four main venues capable of hosting concerts: Pacific Coliseum, PNE Forum, PNE Amphitheatre, and Agrodome. In this review, we focus on Pacific Coliseum, the largest of these venues with a capacity of around 17,500 for concerts, though it is not the largest in Vancouver overall. BC Place Stadium holds that distinction, with a capacity of up to 54,500, followed by Rogers Arena with about 18,910. Originally built for the 1968 Pacific National Exhibition, Pacific Coliseum quickly became a staple venue for major events in the city. Over the years, it has been home to the Vancouver Giants hockey team and has hosted world-class concerts featuring legendary artists. Its versatile space and capacity for large crowds make it a popular choice for EDM events, concerts, and other major entertainment shows. Situated within the PNE grounds, it continues to serve as a hub for entertainment in Vancouver, offering a nostalgic yet lively atmosphere for attendees.

Accessibility: 4/5

Pacific Coliseum offers a well-designed layout for concert-goers, with accessible entrances and parking. Located in the Hastings-Sunrise area, it's relatively easy to reach by public transit, with several bus routes stopping nearby. However, points are deducted as the venue is not close to SkyTrain stations, which makes public transit access less convenient for some attendees. There is also ample on-site parking, although traffic can be a bit challenging when multiple events are happening at the PNE grounds. For those with mobility issues, ramps and elevators make it easy to get around, but the distance from some parking spots to the venue could be a bit inconvenient.


A girl in midst of concert crowd at Pacific Coliseum
Surrounded by an electric crowd at Pacific Coliseum!

Amenities: 4/5

Pacific Coliseum offers standard bar amenities with a variety of drinks, as well as standard bathrooms for attendees. Food vendors and more extensive concession options are typically available for sports and other types of events, but they are not offered during EDM shows. This can be a downside for concert-goers looking for a variety of food options during EDM events, as they may need to plan ahead for food before or after the show.

Security & Safety: 5/5

The venue has a solid reputation for security, with staff that are well-trained and friendly. Entry lines are well-organized, and security checks are thorough without being intrusive. During events, the security personnel are visible, and their presence helps maintain a safe atmosphere for all attendees. The location, inside the larger PNE fairgrounds, feels enclosed and safe, and the staff do a good job of managing large crowds.

Vibe: 3/5

The vibe at Pacific Coliseum can vary significantly depending on the event. As a multi-purpose arena that has hosted everything from ice hockey to concerts, it can sometimes feel like a standard sports venue rather than a dedicated music space. However, the energy from a large audience can transform it into a great place for EDM shows. The arena setup makes for an exciting experience when the sound and lighting are on point, but it lacks the intimacy and charm that some smaller venues in Vancouver offer.



Acoustics: 4/5

As an arena, Pacific Coliseum wasn't originally designed with acoustics in mind, and this is sometimes evident during concerts. While the sound is usually decent, it can be hit or miss depending on the production quality of the specific event. Bass and higher frequencies can sometimes get lost in the large open space, especially if you're seated further from the stage. That said, EDM shows with good audio engineering teams tend to make the most of the venue's potential, delivering a powerful experience for those near the main floor.


Crowd: 4/5

The crowd at Pacific Coliseum tends to be diverse, with attendees spanning different age groups depending on the event. For EDM shows, expect a mix of dedicated ravers, casual fans, and some first-timers. The size of the venue means there's always a high energy level, especially when big-name artists are performing. The crowd is generally enthusiastic and welcoming, though the massive space can make it harder for the audience to feel connected compared to smaller venues.


Overall Rating: 4/5

Pacific Coliseum is a classic choice for large-scale EDM events in Vancouver. Its accessibility, well-trained security, diverse amenities, and the electric energy of a big crowd make it a solid venue for major concerts. While the acoustics and overall vibe might not match the magic of some smaller, more intimate venues, it's still a great spot for those wanting to experience a large event with top artists and production. For EDM fans, Pacific Coliseum is definitely worth checking out, especially if you're looking for a lively crowd and big-stage spectacle.


Have you been to Pacific Coliseum? Share your experience in the comments below!

Nov 29, 2024

4 min read

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