In 1979, the Vancouver Whitecaps win the North American Soccer League championship. In 1983, BC Place Stadium opens. In 1985, SkyTrain opens with much of its route being along that of the city's first public transit system, the 1891 interurban. Sky Train's opening the previous year coincides with this exposition. In 1994, the Vancouver Canucks hockey team reach the Stanley Cup finals for the second time in twelve years,only to lose out to the New York Rangers.
Fans riot in the streets of downtown Vancouver following the loss.
The BC Lions football team win the Grey Cup. In 1995, a new Vancouver Public Library building is constructed in the shape of a Roman Coliseum. The Vancouver Grizzlies basketball team plays its inaugural season. The Ford Centre for the Performing Arts also opens to the public. In 1996, the Vancouver International Airport expands its terminal and adds a third runway.