BC Place will be under construction in the coming months as it gets a new, retractable roof. Photo copyright Kathrynhatashitalee/istockphoto.com

Say good-bye to the world’s largest air-supported dome roof: the marshmallow-like top of BC Place is coming down, to be replaced by the world’s largest cable-supported retractable roof. This month’s Vancouver International Auto Show was the last event to be held under the old roof, then the 55,000-seat venue will be closed until next year.

Upon reopening, BC Place will finally be able to let the sun shine in—and will house BC’s Major League Soccer team. This downtown venue has hogged the spotlight recently, thanks to its starring role in the opening, closing and nightly victory ceremonies for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, as well the opening ceremony for the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. But like any media star, this one knows when it’s time for a facelift.—Sheri Radford