Tracy Redies, president and CEO of Science World, says the project to transform the dome into a giant Adidas Trionda ball reflects Vancouver’s creativity and ambition.Jennifer Gauthier/The Globe and Mail
Forty years after Expo 86, Vancouver’s iconic Science World is part of another huge international event: the FIFA World Cup.
Originally constructed for the world’s fair, the Vancouver landmark helped bring attention to the city and was home to Canada’s first OMNIMAX Theatre. Now, the geodesic dome is being transformed into a giant soccer ball that will temporarily known as “The Beautiful Dome.”
“It has been years in the making, so to get to this point is exciting for all of us,” said Tracy Redies, the president and CEO of Science World.
She added: “We get to welcome the world again to Vancouver in a very unique way.”
Thirteen World Cup matches will be held in Canada this year as it co-hosts the tournament with the United States and Mexico. Seven will be held in Vancouver, including Canada’s match against Qatar on June 18.
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In a process that began earlier this month, 131 custom-shaped panels are being installed and wrapped around the 40-metre-wide Science World dome, recreating a giant Adidas Trionda ball – the official ball of this year’s tournament. The project is expected to be completed in early June.
“It shows the creativity and ambition of our city. We want to be forward-looking, creative, innovative,” said Ms. Redies.
Along with the exterior transformation, Science World will also host Soccer and Technology, a FIFA Museum exhibition making its North American debut. The exhibition features items from Zurich, Switzerland, and showcases the evolution of the World Cup over the decades through changes in technology and broadcasting.
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“Giving people the opportunity to see this exhibition and learn more about the technology and innovation currently in the game, we thought it is a perfect fit,” said Dirk Schlemmer, who works for FIFA Innovation.
Canadian soccer player Christine Sinclair’s jersey is also featured in the exhibit. Sinclair wore the red jersey on display during Canada’s gold-medal-winning game against Sweden at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
Visitors will also see the first camera used to broadcast the World Cup in 1954 that was hosted in Switzerland.
“The purpose of this exhibition is to explain what is behind the scenes,” said Marco Fazzone, managing director of the FIFA Museum.
“You go to stadiums, watch matches, see referees using devices during the match,” Mr. Fazzone added. The exhibit, he said, will help fans “understand the technology behind all that.”
The exhibition is open until Sept. 7.
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