VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC kick off their 50th anniversary season at home this Saturday, with a special match day experience, presented by TELUS. As the premier partner, TELUS is hosting a Jersey Swap, where the first 500 fans in attendance are invited to exchange any pro sports jersey for the 2023/2024 Whitecaps FC Bloodlines jersey. All jerseys collected will be upcycled and donated to the Whitecaps FC Community Soccer Experience, which brings quality soccer programming to youth facing obstacles to participation in organized sports.
“We are all very excited to start our biggest MLS season yet,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC Chief Executive Officer. “This is going to be a special match, as it’s only our second time opening the upper bowl in MLS, and our first time in the regular season. We know that our fans are always ready to support our team in their jerseys, and we are thrilled that our partners at TELUS will help some fans get set up for a great match and even greater 50th anniversary season.”
The Jersey Swap will be taking place at the TELUS booth, located at section 209 on the concourse. Fans interested in participating in the Jersey Swap are encouraged to line up at Gate B for 2:45 p.m. PT ahead of all gates opening at 3 p.m. PT. Fans will also have the opportunity to enter a draw for a chance to win an on the field meet and greet with two Whitecaps FC players post-match.
“At TELUS, we are helping young Canadians reach their full potential, and connecting them to the people and activities they’re most passionate about,” said Jill Schnarr, Chief Brand and Communications Officer, TELUS. “Together with Whitecaps FC, we look forward to kicking off the 50th anniversary season with this special match day Jersey Swap and creating even more opportunities for soccer participation through the Community Soccer Experience.”
For those unable to attend the home opener, fans can also exchange their jersey at participating TELUS retail stores including, TELUS Garden, Pacific Centre and Surrey Central, from March 3 to 17 or while supplies last. To participate in the Jersey Swap, donated jerseys must be in fair condition, with a limit of one jersey per individual. Sizing may also be limited, with no returns or exchanges.
Last year, the Community Soccer Experience delivered over 150 free community soccer sessions around BC, impacting over 20,000 participants. The program also supplied 25 organizations with soccer equipment kits, which included 20 soccer balls, 100 cones, 50 jerseys, five ball pumps, four mini-goals, and two ball carrying bags.
With the upper bowl open and more than 27,000 tickets having already been sold for the opening match, fans are encouraged to arrive early. Gates will open at 3 p.m. PT, with kick off taking place at 4:30 p.m. PT. For information on group and single match tickets, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
