VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC will host the club’s first ever Vaisakhi night on Saturday at BC Place, celebrating the South Asian community and the Solar New Year.
The Vancouver and Surrey Vaisakhi parades are regularly among the world’s biggest outside of India, attracting over 350,000 combined people annually.
Whitecaps FC will be facing Portland Timbers in the 100th all-time meeting between the two clubs. Tickets are available at whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
Whitecaps FC worked with local artist Sandeep Johal to design the club’s Vaisakhi logo.
March to the Match
The supporters’ March to the Match will start at 5:45 p.m. at Dublin Calling and will swing by Roxy Burger and Library Square, going down Robson street to Terry Fox Plaza.
Helping to lead the march will be dhol drummers from the Shan-e-Punjab Arts Club, along with members of the Sikh Motorcycle Club.
‘Caps Kickoff
Starting at 5:30 p.m. at Terry Fox Plaza, come early to grab food and catch DJ Emenes’ set with South Asian fusion.
As part of the celebrations, henna and face painting will also be available, as well as Holi Masala food truck.
Entertainment
Fans are encouraged to be in their seats early, as the Shan-e-Punjab Arts Club will be featuring a pre-match bhangra dancing performance, and internationally acclaimed and award-winning Bollywood singer and performer Jugpreet Bajwa will be singing the national anthem.
Halftime will then see the Shan-e-Punjab Arts Club return alongside a performance from Bajwa.
Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen
Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen is a volunteer-led, not-for-profit organization, based on the Sikh teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. GNFK provides freshly prepared langar (food) to over 1,000 residents of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside on a weekly basis. GNFK also works in collaboration with community members, aid agencies and various other partners to assist communities affected by natural disasters.
GNFK will be on-site at ‘Caps Kickoff on Terry Fox Plaza giving away chai tea and fundraising for their organization. They will also will be at section 219 during match.
Holi Masala will also be on-site selling food, with a portion of each sale going towards GNFK, while BC Place and Sodexo Live! will donate $1 from each sale at Bombay Kitchen.
