World Cup brings seven-week Granville Street closure downtown
Five pedestrian-only blocks transform into festival zones with themed areas, art, and programming. Road closures will affect transit and vehicle traffic through July 19.
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Granville Street between West Georgia and Davie is now closed to vehicle traffic for the full 39-day FIFA World Cup tournament, marking the largest unofficial activation across Metro Vancouver.
The closure, which began Monday, allows crews to transform five downtown blocks into a vibrant pedestrian zone featuring distinct themed areas: Selfie Central, Enchanted Forest, Game On (soccer-themed), Awesome Art, and Rainbow Realness. Thousands of red-and-white pennant flags create a festive canopy overhead, while expanded patios, interactive art installations, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment line the streets.
The pedestrian zone's opening Thursday drew steady crowds—selfie-takers, couples, and jersey-wearing fans posed in front of FIFA-themed murals and player installations. By afternoon, the street's energy was building as matches got underway.
TransLink has rerouted all Granville Street bus routes northbound to Howe Street and southbound to Seymour Street, supported by dedicated bus lanes to maintain service. Intersections at Helmcken, Nelson, Smithe, and Robson remain open to foot traffic, though vehicle access to Granville at those points and from Davie and West Georgia has been blocked with concrete and steel barriers.
BC Place and surrounding streets also have multiple closures on game days—Pacific Boulevard between Cambie and Carrall, plus Quebec, Expo, Beatty, Carrall, Pat Quinn Way, and Griffiths Way have restrictions. Transit remains the preferred option, though volume and congestion are expected to be extreme throughout the tournament.