Bob Mackin
The PNE Agrodome became the ammo-dome on Dec. 9, as the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) trained for a worst-case scenario at FIFA World Cup.
Counterparts from Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services and B.C. Emergency Health Services joined VPD officers in tactical gear to simulate a pickup truck ramming and mass-casualty shooting.
theBreaker.news noticed generic VPD signage near the Pacific Coliseum parking lot and took a closer look. PNE spokesperson Laura Ballance referred all questions to the VPD.
Scenarios
“The training currently taking place at Agrodome is part of our quarterly training,” VPD Public Information Officer Sgt. Steve Addison told theBreaker.news. “It is being run by officers from our training section, along with volunteer role players, and it includes scenarios for mass-casualty events, active deadly threats, and hazmat situations. While this training will help prepare us for FIFA, it’s also part of our regular in-service training program.”
Training regimen
Addison said all frontline officers are required to undergo four quarterly training days annually, called “cycle training.” Sometimes in conjunction with other first responders.
“The specifics of each day vary from classroom training and policy updates to firearms qualifications, crowd control, and other tactics,” Addison said.
The PNE grounds at Hastings Park will host the FIFA Fan Festival for the duration of the tournament. The new $183 million Freedom Mobile Arch amphitheatre will be the centrepiece for watch parties.
Vehicle attacks
Vancouver’s biggest 2025 crime incident is the April 26 vehicle ramming attack at a Filipino festival in South Vancouver. An SUV was driven through a crowd on the unguarded food truck street.
Kai Ji Adam Lo faces 11 counts of second degree murder and 31 counts of attempted murder.
On June 5 at the Agrodome’s neighbour, the Pacific Coliseum, a car was driven into the front door while Cirque du Soleil performed inside.
Up, in the sky
On Oct. 28, a U.S. Air Force Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker from Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane refuelled two RCAF CF-18 Hornet fighter jets from Comox above Metro Vancouver.
The exercise was part of NORAD’s World Cup-themed Amalgam Eagle 25.
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