The Freedom Mobile Arch, a new amphitheatre at Vancouver's Pacific National Exhibition (PNE), has officially opened, hosting its inaugural event with performances from artists like Jann Arden and Colin James. This striking venue, built using British Columbia wood products, can accommodate 10,000 attendees and is set to host the FIFA World Cup 2026 fan festival starting June 11. Initially estimated at $64.8 million, the project's cost ballooned to $183 million due to unforeseen complications, including extensive underground water. PNE president and CEO Shelley Frost noted that this new facility signifies a transformative period for the PNE, aiming to revitalize attendance, which has seen a decline in recent years. The PNE anticipates that the amphitheatre will draw hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, with ticket sales expected to recoup construction costs over the next 15 to 18 years, contributing to the fair's future sustainability.