Over the past few years the Plaza of Nations has become an institution of the Vancouver party scene. The building itself is mesmerizing and unparalleled by any other party venue in our city (and perhaps in all of Canada). But more importantly, seeing as the Vancouver authorities practically deem raving a crime, it is the venue that best guarantees a full night of dancing.
Of course, the Plaza of Nations wasn't built for throwing all night techno rave parties. It was built in anticipation of Expo '86. The building was the centre of Expo. Since 1990 the building has been privately owned.
The Plaza complex has more than 140,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. The area that we are familiar with is Enterprise Hall. Enterprise Hall is composed of six parts (though they arent always rented out): the BC Room, the Mezzanine, the Plaza Theatre, the Pre-Show Lobby, the Gallery, and the Main Hall.
Main Hall is where we party.
The Main Hall is easily recognized due to its 19,500 square foot dance floor and eighty-foot high glass walls and ceiling (this in itself could make the Plaza comparable to one of the Ibiza super clubs). Adjoining the Main Hall is the theatre which seats 500 people (plus accommodates a couple hundred dancers). The BC Room, sometimes rented out as the V.I.P. lounge has forty-foot floor to ceiling windows.
The Plaza was a solution for Vancouvers precarious rave scene. For years city officials have been shrinking the parametres of a legal rave to the point that it has practically become unfeasible to throw a large, legal party in the lower mainland. The Plaza, because of its size and design is conducive to legal all-night functions. As well, the proprietors demand a high level of security at all time. Security guards, police and paramedics are always on hand. This decreases the chance of any unpleasant incidents happening and allows prompt and effective rectification of any problem. It also gives worried parents peace of mind.
The Plaza was closed for a time due to complaints. Since being re-opened as a venue for parties the allowed level of noise is far below that of any other venue in Vancouver. The average system for another venue of its size is about 115 decibels. At the Plaza of Nations a maximum of 104 decibels is allowed. An increase of two decibels means the volume emitted from the speakers doubles so the sound system in a venue with the same capacity as the Plaza of Nations is about ten times stronger than the system used in the Plaza.
According to the Plaza of Nations official website, there are plans to build a 600-room luxury hotel on the premises. There are many variables that will affect its completion (i.e. 2010 Olympics, provincial/federal/global economy, etc.) but if it should be built the Plaza of Nations, as a rave venue, will cease to exist.
There is currently no timeline set for the hotel but you may want to get your fill of the Plaza before it becomes off limits to parties and promoters are condemned to the arduous task of finding a venue which is acceptable to Vancouver officials and party kids alike.
For more information on the Plaza of Nations please visit:
http://www.plazaofnations.com
For information on the next parties being held at the Plaza of Nations please visit:
http://www.mysecretlab.com and
http://www.twisted.ca