Bob Mackin
During Question Period on May 20, NDP house leader Mike Farnworth shut out Conservative efforts to find out how much the government is spending on a suite at B.C. Place Stadium during FIFA World Cup.
But the Jobs and Economic Growth Ministry told theBreaker.news that the cost for the 10-person, catered suite is $475,000, via the City of Vancouver’s host city supporters’ program.
Tourism Minister Anne Kang (left), Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow, Premier David Eby, FIFA 26 mascots Maple, Zayu and Clutch, and FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani in B.C. Place Stadium. (Kang/X)
Two cabinet members and two staff members will be at each match — a total 28 tickets across the seven matches. Premier David Eby is expected at the first two, but then will leave B.C. for a week-long trade junket in China.
The plan is to schmooze global executives and senior business leaders, with the hope that they will invest in B.C.
Along with the suite, the province is spending $1.3 million on B.C. Business House at the Vancouver Convention Centre, where a different sector will be featured on the day before each match: tourism (June 12), energy (June 17), life sciences (June 19), mining (June 23), technology (June 25), agriculture and food (June 30), and trade and logistics infrastructure (July 7).
The province hired the Pace Group for $250,000 to manage the program. Pace’s credits include the annual B.C. Cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering and Robson Square 2010 Olympic Celebrations.
On Location
City hall said in 2025 that it had set aside $13.4 million to buy suites, lounges and VIP tickets for resale as part of regional sponsorship packages involving the B.C. Pavilion Corporation sales department.
According to the 2025 statement of financial information, the city paid FIFA hospitality contractor On Location $600,386. Staff refuse to reveal how much was spent in 2026 so far or whether any private companies bought into the host city supporters or host city champions programs.
Under its host city agreement with FIFA, City of Vancouver receives 200 complimentary VIP tickets for each match. FIFA also provides the host committee the right to buy 1.5% of the available tickets for purchase at each match — approximately 5,250 tickets for the seven matches.
Priority
The NDP is setting its sights on a gas-rich, Middle East autocracy with a poor human rights record.
“We are going to host the Qatari delegation here with an eye to supporting their understanding of the remarkable investment opportunities here in British Columbia,” Eby said on May 12. Qatar meets Canada on June 18.
As many as 350 City of Vancouver-bought tickets to the June 21 and 26 matches will be given to non-profit and Indigenous community organizations for children and youth. Applications close May 22.
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