There’s a new headline act in Vancouver, and it’s made almost entirely of wood.
The PNE Amphitheatre (aka the Freedom Mobile Arch) pushes the limits of what mass timber can do. This striking outdoor venue, set to host crowds of up to 10,000 and major events like the FIFA Fan Festival™, commands attention with its 105-metre starburst roof structure made of regional glulam and cross-laminated timber (CLT). It’s not just an architectural feat, it’s an environmental statement.
The amphitheatre sits within Hastings Park, surrounded by neighbourhoods sensitive to noise. Rather than shy away from the challenge, Revery Architecture leaned in, collaborating with acoustic consultants Stages to ensure the venue’s sonic performance stays tight inside the bowl while keeping peace with the community.
That same ethos of respect carries through every design decision: the entire structure is electric-powered, net-zero carbon and salmon-safe, with stormwater management built directly into the roof and foundation.
Engineering for Emotion – and Emissions
But the roof is the real icon, a geometric burst of 60 interlaced timber arches formed into six dramatic barrel vaults. Structural engineers Fast + Epp, geotechnical specialists RAM Consulting and wind/snow load consultants RWDI had to think boldly to realize the form, which is set to become the largest free-span mass timber roof in the world. Glulam beams fashioned from Douglas Fir provide lightweight strength, while Spruce-Pine-Fir CLT panels stabilize the entire system. The roof incorporates some structural steel, which works in tandem with the mass timber to achieve the impressive 105m span.
Beyond performance and optics, the material itself plays hero: over 2,000 cubic metres of mass timber slash embodied carbon by 40% compared to conventional construction. CLT and glulam offer fire resistance, all-weather durability and warm sensory appeal, qualities that serve both festival crowds and sustainability-minded designers.
Inside, the experience continues with VIP suites, flexible seating zones and a 3-storey back-of-house facility tailored to touring productions and grassroots acts alike. Every detail, from plug-and-play rigging to accessibility upgrades targeting Rick Hansen Gold certification, is designed for inclusion and impact.
Smart Access in a Transit-Savvy City
The PNE Amphitheatre’s location in Hastings Park ensures smooth access for attendees and performers alike, with strong connections to public transportation and pedestrian routes. Whether arriving by transit, bike, or on foot, the venue is highly accessible, making it easy for urban crowds, suburban visitors, and sustainability-minded travelers to join the experience. For major events, transport services are often scaled to support larger audiences, reinforcing the project’s commitment to inclusivity and environmental ease.
In a city where rainforest meets skyline, the PNE Amphitheatre proves that the future of live performance doesn’t just sound better, it’s built to resonate with both audience and environment. Where structure becomes spectacle, Revery Architecture’s PNE Amphitheatre rewrites concert culture through sustainability, acoustic artistry and mass timber engineering.