VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed on Thursday that the club will play their remaining 2021 home matches at BC Place this season after the the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Minister of Immigration have approved a National Interest Exemption that outlines stringent health and safety protocols allowing for all MLS players to participate in cross-border matches.
Following this Saturday's match versus Minnesota United FC in Utah, the ’Caps will play nine of their final 15 regular season matches at BC Place, starting on August 21 against Los Angeles FC, and ending on Decision Day on November 7 versus Seattle Sounders FC.
Included in the National Interest Exemption requirements, all traveling players and staff will continue to undertake COVID-19 molecular testing prior to, and upon arrival into Canada, regardless of their vaccination status. Those individuals who are partially vaccinated, or are un-vaccinated, will be required to observe a modified quarantine. Upon receipt of a negative COVID-19 test, these individuals may participate in work activities only, including trainings and games, and are otherwise prohibited from attending other functions or places through the remainder of a 14-day quarantine period, or until they leave the country.
The announcement is made as 96% of Tier 1 individuals, including MLS players and club staff that work closely with the team, have received the vaccine.
“Vancouver is our home and we were thrilled to return to our training centre at the start of this week,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC chief executive officer and sporting director. “We now have four important road matches and everyone is excited to finally get a run of home games and play in front of our faithful supporters at BC Place.”
Per provincial health guidelines, capacity for the first three matches against LAFC, Real Salt Lake on August 29, and Austin FC on September 4 will be limited to just over 13,000. Season ticket members and pack holders will receive an email today for their priority seating and exclusive purchase window for tickets to the first three home matches. Single match tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, August 4 at 10 a.m. PT. There are a limited number of Kickoff Packs, which includes the first three matches back at BC Place for only $99.90.
The complete updated schedule is available at whitecapsfc.com/schedule.
For information on fan experience and new safety measures at BC Place, visit whitecapsfc.com/matchday.
