To commemorate Vancouver Whitecaps FC's 40th anniversary, the BC Sports Hall of Fame is featuring a collaboration of ‘Caps memorabilia that dates back to the club’s first season in 1974.
Some key pieces in the collection include the coin from the inaugural coin toss against San Jose Earthquakes on May 5, 1974. The inaugural coin was used once again at Whitecaps FC's 40th Anniversary Match earlier this season. At the match, Vancouver's 1974 captain Sam Lenarduzzi had the honour of tossing the coin once again.
In the "Best of BC" case, fans can find the 2007 LA Galaxy ball, an NASL ball from 1980, and the qualifying World Cup ball from 1977 signed by Bob Lenarduzzi and other influential Canadian soccer players. Also on display is the ball from the Vancouver Whitecaps' first-ever goal scored by Neil Ellett in 1974.
With the 2014 FIFA World Cup taking place in Brazil, the BC Sports Hall of Fame also holds a piece of World Cup history right here in Vancouver at BC Place. In the 1986 World Cup, Bob Lenarduzzi traded his game-worn jersey after each match for jerseys off the back of the opposing team. The BC Sports Hall of Fame collection includes 1986 World Cup jerseys from USSR, Hungary and France. A 1986 World Cup jersey worn by Bruce Wilson - Vancouver born and raised captain at the ’86 World Cup - can also be found within the collection. In addition, you can see the World Cup jersey worn by Andrea Neil as she helped Canada finish fourth in the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
In recognition of the ‘Caps past accomplishments, the BC Sports Hall of Fame has dedicated an entire case to the club’s 1979 NASL championship, including jerseys, balls and trophies.
‘Caps fans can also see some quirky ‘Caps memorabilia on display, including a Carl Valentine soccer board game, a Valentine rookie card dating back to 1977-78 when he played for Oldham Athletic in England, and historic Whitecaps FC records.
Visit the BC Sports Hall of Fame to see the Whitecaps FC collection and many more sports exhibits! The BC Sports Hall of Fame is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT and is conveniently located at BC Place, Gate A. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for youth, students and seniors, $8.50 per person for school groups of 10 or more, and free for children less than five years of age. Next time you’re at a Whitecaps FC match at BC Place, make sure to drop by the BC Sports Hall of Fame and get in the ‘Caps spirit before the match! Whitecaps FC ticket holders also receive a 50 per cent discount on their admission fees on matchday - plan to visit early to beat the lines!
Click here to learn more about the BC Sports Hall of Fame and plan your next visit. You can also follow the BC Sports Hall of Fame on twitter: @BCSportsHall.
It’s not too late to participate in the best sporting experience in Vancouver. Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including prorated season tickets ($220), 5-packs ($149), student season tickets, and a youth soccer half-season ticket. Single-match tickets start at $22, subject to applicable fees. For more information on all Whitecaps FC ticket options, call 604.669.9283 ext. 2 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
