For the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, the Opening, Closing and Medals Ceremonies will be held indoors, at the BC Place Stadium. Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the BC Place Stadium has the largest air-supported stadium roof in North America, and can seat 55,000 people. The XXI Olympic Winter Games will thus be opened on 12 February 2010 at the BC Place Stadium, and will close 17 days later, on 28 February. The ceremonies to present the medals won in the Vancouver region will also be held at the BC Place Stadium, while those won in Whistler, for most of the Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing and sliding events, will be awarded at the 8,000-capacity Celebration Site in Whistler village.