Vancouver Whitecaps FC host their 2020 MLS season opener, presented by Bell, this Saturday versus Sporting Kansas City at BC Place. Gates open at 6 p.m. PT, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. PT.
Here are a few things to know if you’re heading to the match.
GATES OPEN EARLY
Gates will open at 6 p.m. PT on Saturday, giving fans an extra 30 minutes to enter the stadium and get settled. Make sure to arrive early to avoid late traffic before kickoff.
PARKING
Pay parking is available in multiple lots close to the stadium. All paid and unpaid guests requiring accessible parking should proceed to Impark Lot 457 (adjacent lot, closer to Rogers Arena).
WELCOME YOUR WHITECAPS FC
Fans are encouraged to join us on Terry Fox Plaza to greet the players as the team bus arrives at 6 p.m. at the stadium. Stay on the plaza for ‘Caps Kickoff featuring a marching band, as well as the Bell Box, ‘Caps Cruiser, and Foosball Fan Zone. Or enter the stadium as gates will be open!
NEW SECURITY MEASURES
Entry into the stadium will be even smoother this season thanks to new walk-through metal detectors at BC Place. Please note that bags larger than 14’’x14’’x6’’ are not permitted into the stadium. More information can be found at whitecapsfc.com/match-day/spectator-information.
JOIN THE WAVE
Whitecaps FC will be debuting their new Wave jerseys for the season opener. The ‘Caps will also wear the Wave kit on March 14, with the remaining MLS home matches featuring the traditional Hoop kit.
Speaking of the Wave, join our Kid Captain in starting the wave during the match. Stay tuned for the cue.
WEAR YOUR BLUE JACKET, CELEBRATE THE GAMES, GET A PHOTO ON THE PITCH
This year marks a decade since Vancouver hosted the highly successful 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Vancouver. If you were a volunteer at that event, you can get tickets for $20.10 at whitecapsfc.com/2010 using the code BLUEJACKET.
Volunteers are encouraged to wear their blue jacket to the stadium. After the match, all blue jackets will meet at section 216 for a group photo opportunity on the pitch! All blue jackets are also welcome to take their own selfies and photos.
2020 is also an Olympic year, with Tokyo, Japan set to host the Summer Games in July and August. To celebrate, the ‘Caps are welcoming a number of Canadian Olympians from years past to the match.
LEAPLINGS COME FREE
Do you know someone born on February 29? All leaplings can claim a free ticket to the match.
Leaplings can secure their ticket by sending proof of their date of birth to leaplings@whitecapsfc.com.
MARCH TO THE MATCH
The Supporters’ March to the Match will start at the corner of Granville and Smithe, coming down Robson Street to Terry Fox Plaza. Supporters are inviting any interested participants to join in and bring their voices.
THE VILLAGE STAND – GENERAL ADMISSION
Saturday’s match will mark the opening of the ‘Caps new general admission area, the Village Stand. This will be the most raucous, vocal, energetic section of the stadium. You don’t need to be a member of a supporters group to join in, but you are encouraged to stand, sing, and chant for the full 90.
Tickets for Saturday are sold out, but there remains a very limited availability for the March 14 match. To learn more visit whitecapsfc.com/villagestand.
LEARN THE CHANTS
Whether or not you are sitting in general admission, you can still join in. Learn the chants HERE.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Each home match the club will acknowledge the land which the club calls home. Whitecaps FC play on the unceded traditional territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations.
HONOURING PAM GLASS
Recently the club mourned the passing of long-time volunteer Pam Glass. Members of her family will be on hand for the pre-match coin toss as the club recognizes Pam and her contributions.
PLAYERS STEPPING UP FOR THE COMMUNITY
Three new matchday programs are being driven by players this year. Andy Rose, Russell Teibert, and Jake Nerwinski will each be welcoming inspiring youth to BC Place. Read more on their respective programs HERE.
‘CAPS CLEARANCE SHOP
There will now be a full-time clearance shop set up during matches at section 243. Come check it out and get 40% off on ‘Caps gear!
More on match day, including the roof report, can be found at whitecapsfc.com/guide.
See you at BC Place!
